Get ready for an unforgettable beach-hopping road trip across New Zealand’s North Island. Think golden sands, rugged coastlines, and crystal-clear waters. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, this road trip is all about sun, surf, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re after some relaxation or outdoor adventure, you’ll find the perfect mix of both. So, grab your bags, hit the road, and let the fun begin!
Best time to travel: Spring and summer (September to February) are ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.
Auckland to Orewa Beach
Drive time: 30 minutes
Highlights:
- Relax at Orewa Beach (voted best city beach in NZ 2024) with its calm waters and golden sands.
- Stroll along the waterfront and grab coffee at a beachfront café.
- Go surfing or paddle boarding on Orewa Beach.
- Hire a jet ski to explore the stunning islands and beaches.
- Take time out in an escape room, a challenging activity for families and friends.
- Visit nearby Wenderholm Regional Park or Shakespear Regional Park for beaches, scenic walks and picnic spots.
Visit our Auckland Travel Guide
Orewa Beach to Coromandel Peninsula
Drive time: 3 hours
Highlights:
- Stop at Hot Water Beach and dig your own hot pool (check low tide times).
- Visit Cathedral Cove, a short boat ride leads to one of New Zealand’s most iconic beaches.
- Go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters.
- Explore the breathtaking Coromandel scenery on a 90 minute scenic boat tour.
- Go on a fishing trip for the chance to catch snapper and a variety of other New Zealand fish species.
Stay overnight in Whitianga or nearby beach towns.
Coromandel to Mount Maunganui (Bay of Plenty)
Drive time: 3 hours
Highlights:
- Spend time at Mount Maunganui Main Beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere and surf-friendly waves.
- Hike up Mauao for stunning coastal views.
- Relax in saltwater hot pools near the beach.
- Explore Tauranga if you haven’t already. The city has vibrant cafes, coastal walks, and views of Mount Maunganui.
- Stay in Tauranga or Mt Maunganui
Mount Maunganui to Napier (Hawke’s Bay)
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Highlights:
- Napier is world-famous for its Art Deco style, following the 1931 earthquake. Take a walking tour to admire the beautifully restored buildings, or visit the Art Deco Trust for more history.
- Take a scenic stroll along Marine Parade, popular waterfront promenade with attractions like mini golf, National Aquarium of New Zealand, and Sunken Gardens.
- Before reaching Napier, take a break in Havelock North, known for its charming village atmosphere and vineyards. The area is also a gateway to the Te Mata Peak, offering panoramic views of the region.
- Drive along the scenic coast from Napier to Te Awanga and join Gannet Safaris Overland to visit the world’s largest, most accessible gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand.
- Explore the spectacular Hawke’s Bay by helicopter.
- Hire an e-bike for day trips around the wineries or on our stunning off road cycle trails.
- Napier Hill & Bluff Hill Lookout offer panoramic views of the city, port, and surrounding coastline.
- Hastings Farmers’ Market is a great place to experience local produce and artisanal foods, held every Sunday morning.
- Visit the local wineries such as Te Mata Estate, Craggy Range or Black Barn Vineyards.
Stay in your choice of accommodation in the Hawke’s Bay.
Hawke’s Bay to Taupō
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Highlights:
- Stop at Huka Falls, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular waterfalls.
- Relax by Lake Taupō, the largest lake in the country, and enjoy a lakeside stroll or activities on the lake such as parasailing or a scenic flight by float plane.
- Take the family to Mind Junction Activity Park – get lost in the Giant Maze, confuse yourself in the Discovery Centre, marvel at the LEGO Display, get in a round of Mini Golf, all before flying to Las Vegas in a Flight Simulator!
- For an adventurous thrill, enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Taupō and Mt Ruapehu during an unforgettable skydiving experience.
- Visit the Craters of the Moon or Orakei Korako geothermal parks or soak in natural hot pools like Wairakei Terraces.
Taupō to Raglan
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Highlights:
- Drive through the King Country region, with scenic rolling hills and farmlands.
- Arrive in Raglan, a vibrant surf town famous for its laid-back vibe and black-sand beaches.
- Visit Ngarunui Beach for swimming or surfing or explore the iconic left-hand surf break at Manu Bay.
- Take a short walk to Bridal Veil Falls, a stunning 55-metre waterfall nearby.
- Go on a multi-day horseback adventure across Waikato farmland and Mt Karioi to enjoy stunning views of the beach, ocean, and rolling valleys.
Raglan to Auckland
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Highlights:
- Enjoy a relaxed morning in Raglan, browsing the town’s boutique shops and cafes.
- Stop at Hamilton Gardens on the way for a scenic and tranquil break.
- Arrive in Auckland, wrapping up your beach-hopping adventure with some urban comforts or a visit to Mission Bay Beach.
- For more ideas about what to do in Auckland, visit our Auckland Travel Guide
