A round trip from Auckland to Cape Reinga is an iconic road trip in New Zealand, taking you from the country’s largest city to its northernmost tip. This route offers beautiful coastlines, cultural landmarks, beachside towns, and lush forests making for an unforgettable journey.

This extended route through Hokianga offers a richer experience of Northland’s landscapes and heritage while still encompassing the key highlights of Cape Reinga.

Spring (September to November) is a great time to travel Northland due to the regions sub-tropical climate and fewer crowds.

Visit our Northland Travel Guide. Find Accommodation & Activities in Northland. Support local by booking direct for the best rates available.

Route Overview:

• Distance: Approximately 850-900 km (530-560 miles) round trip.
• Driving Time: 12-14 hours total driving time, spread over several days.
• Ideal Trip Duration: 5-7 days to explore the highlights, however you can decide how long to spend in each town or city.

Road Trip Highlights:

• Kauri Coast: Waipoua Forest: Home to Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree. Visit the Kauri Museum, which showcases the history and significance of the kauri trees in New Zealand’s culture and economy. Enjoy lunch at Gumdiggers Cafe with picturesque rural views. Stop in the bustling town of Dargaville (near Ruawai, NZ’s kumara capital) to re-stock on supplies or spend the night.
• Hokianga: Explore the remote and beautiful Hokianga Harbour, with its mix of cultural history, giant sand dunes, and kauri forests. The stunning harbour is a defining feature of the region. Take a scenic, historic boat cruise on The Ranui. Just across from Opononi, the massive sand dunes of Te Paki are perfect for sandboarding and are a unique landscape feature.
• Cape Reinga: Experience the natural beauty and spiritual significance of New Zealand’s northernmost point. Cape Reinga is a place of stunning natural beauty and deep cultural significance. Known as Te Rerenga Wairua to Māori, it is believed to be the point where spirits depart the earth to return to their ancestral homeland, Hawaiki. The iconic lighthouse overlooks the dramatic meeting of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, where swirling currents create a striking visual display. Visitors can experience breathtaking views, coastal walks, and a sense of tranquility, making it a must-visit destination for its scenic landscapes and spiritual atmosphere.
• Doubtless Bay & Bay of Islands: Both located in Northland’s east coast, are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, rich history, and recreational activities. Doubtless Bay is a serene coastal area known for its pristine beaches like Coopers Beach and Cable Bay, offering perfect spots for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, along with quaint seaside towns and local markets. The Bay of Islands, famous for its 144 subtropical islands, is a top destination for sailing, dolphin-watching, and diving, with iconic sights like the Hole in the Rock and secluded bays. Steeped in both Māori and European history, particularly in Waitangi where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, the region’s towns—Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri—offer vibrant cultural and historical experiences. Both destinations combine natural beauty, adventure, and rich cultural heritage.
• Whangarei: Whangārei, the largest city in Northland, offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions. The city’s centerpiece is the stunning Whangārei Falls, a 26-metre waterfall surrounded by lush walking trails. Mount Parihaka provides panoramic views of the city and harbour, while the Whangārei Quarry Gardens showcase beautiful subtropical plant life. The vibrant Town Basin is home to cafés, galleries, and the iconic Clock Museum, perfect for a relaxing waterfront stroll. Visit Kiwi North Museum, Kiwi House & Heritage Park. For an adventurous day out go to HeadsUp Adventures for mountain biking, monster scooters, forest paintball, and more!
• Tutukaka: located on Northland’s east coast, Tutukaka is a picturesque coastal town renowned for its access to the Poor Knights Islands, one of the world’s top diving and snorkelling destinations, with abundant marine life and underwater caves. The Tutukaka Marina serves as a hub for boat tours and fishing charters, while nearby beaches like Matapouri Bay and Whale Bay offer pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, and beachcombing. The Tutukaka Lighthouse Walk provides scenic views of the coastline and ocean. With its stunning coastal landscapes, marine adventures, and relaxed atmosphere, Tutukaka is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
• Auckland: Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its stunning harbours, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks. The Sky Tower dominates the skyline, offering breathtaking panoramic views and adrenaline-pumping activities like sky walking. Waiheke Island, just a short ferry ride away, is renowned for its wineries, olive groves, and beautiful beaches, making it a perfect day trip destination. New Zealand Maritime Museum offers visitors a chance to explore and engage with New Zealand’s deep maritime heritage, while Albert Park and the Auckland Domain offer lush green spaces for relaxation. The bustling Viaduct Harbour is a hotspot for dining and nightlife, with a variety of restaurants and bars lining the waterfront. With its unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, Auckland serves as a gateway to both adventure and cultural exploration.

Suggested Itinerary:

Auckland to Hokianga (Opononi or Omapere) via Kauri Coast

Auckland to Kauri Coast

• Distance: 180 km (About 1.5-2 hours without extended stops).
• Route: Take State Highway 1 (SH1) north from Auckland, then switch to State Highway 12 at the Brynderwyn Hills toward the Kauri Coast.
• Highlights:
  • Wellsford: A charming town where you can grab a bite to eat before heading north. Or stay overnight to explore nearby attractions such as Goat Island Marine Reserve, Pakiri Beach and Matakana Village.
  • Matakohe: Visit the Kauri Museum, which showcases the history and significance of the kauri trees in New Zealand’s culture and economy.
  • Dargaville: Dargaville is a small town known for its rich agricultural and forestry industries. Situated near the Kaipara Harbour, the town has a vibrant community with a history tied to timber milling and farming, and it serves as a gateway to the nearby Waipoua Forest, home to the famous Tāne Mahuta, the largest kauri tree in the world. Dargaville also offers visitors a chance to explore local art, culture, and unique attractions like the Dargaville Museum.
  • State Highway 12 (SH12): This road will take you through picturesque rural areas, including farmland and small communities. The drive features some seriously straight roads, stunning views of the surrounding countryside, with opportunities to see local wildlife and enjoy the lush greenery of Northland.

Kauri Coast to Hokianga (Opononi or Omapere)

• Distance: 100 km (1.5-2 hour drive)
• Highlights:
  • Waipoua Forest: Home to Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree, which is over 2,500 years old. The forest offers walking tracks where you can see more magnificent kauri trees.
  • Hokianga Harbour: Arrive in Hokianga, where you can explore the stunning sand dunes, take a boat tour, or relax by the beach.
  • Omapere: A picturesque town where you can enjoy views of the Hokianga Harbour and visit the local cafés.
  • Magnificent Sunsets: Located on the west coast of NZ, this region is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, which cast a magical glow over the harbour and surrounding landscapes. The wide, calm waters of Hokianga Harbour reflect the vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating a stunning contrast with the golden sand dunes and lush, green hills. The sunsets here are particularly special due to the region’s peaceful, unspoiled nature, offering serene and unobstructed views.

Hokianga to Cape Reinga via Ahipara

• Distance: 220 km (4.5-hour drive)
• Highlights:
  • Ahipara: Ahipara is a small coastal town at the southern end of Ninety Mile, known for its stunning beaches, excellent surf, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a gateway to the expansive Ninety Mile Beach, where visitors can drive on the sand, fish, or enjoy breathtaking sunsets. The area is popular with surfers, especially at Reef Point, and offers adventurous activities like sandboarding and quad biking. Ahipara also has rich Māori heritage and serves as a starting point for the Te Araroa Trail, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
  • Rawene: Stop at this charming village with its historic wooden buildings and artisan cafes.
  • Ninety Mile Beach: After leaving the Hokianga region, head north toward Ahipara and Ninety Mile Beach. You can drive along the beach if you have a 4WD (or take a guided tour) and try sandboarding at the massive dunes of Te Paki.
  • Cape Reinga: Arrive at Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand. Explore the lighthouse and enjoy the breathtaking views of where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. This is a sacred site for Māori, so please be respectful of its cultural significance.

Cape Reinga to Doubtless Bay (Mangonui)

• Distance: 180 km (3-hour drive)
• Highlights:
  • Te Paki Sand Dunes: Make a stop on your way back from Cape Reinga to experience sandboarding down these giant dunes.
  • Doubtless Bay: Head to Doubtless Bay, a beautiful stretch of coastline with tranquil beaches. Stay in Mangonui, a historic village known for its waterfront charm and the famous Mangonui Fish Shop.
  • Coopers Beach & Cable Bay: Relax at these nearby beaches, ideal for swimming or sunbathing.

Doubtless Bay to Bay of Islands

• Distance: 110 km (2-hour drive)
• Highlights:
  • Kerikeri: Visit the historic Kerikeri Mission Station, including the Stone Store (New Zealand’s oldest building) and the nearby Rainbow Falls.
  • Paihia: The heart of the Bay of Islands, Paihia offers plenty of water activities, including boat cruises to see dolphins, kayaking, and exploring the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed.
  • Russell: A charming coastal town known for its rich history and stunning scenery. Once the capital of New Zealand, it features beautiful beaches, waterfront dining, and historic sites, including the oldest church in the country.

Bay of Islands to Auckland

• Distance: 230 km (3-hour drive)
• Highlights:
  • Whangarei: Stop at Whangarei Falls or visit Kiwi North to see live Kiwi birds and their heritage park.
  • Kawakawa: Known for the Hundertwasser toilets, an artistic and architectural landmark.
  • Auckland: Head back to Auckland to complete your trip.

Visit our Northland Travel Guide. Find Accommodation & Activities in Northland. Support local by booking direct for the best rates available.