Northern adventure route

Explore scenic Auckland

Day 1 in Auckland

Forget the city’s high-rise centre; the beauty of Auckland is the scenery surrounding it. From surf beaches to the islands of Hauraki Gulf, volcanic peaks to fertile farmland, it’s no surprise that the greater Auckland region features high in lists of the world’s most liveable places. This is the perfect introduction to New Zealand.

Taste adventure in the Coromandel

Day 2 in Coromandel Peninsula

Visible across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula has some of the most famous beaches in the country. Head to secluded Cathedral Cove for a picnic and swim, sea kayak around the coast or visit Hot Water Beach to dig out your own hot pool.

The centre of the peninsula is covered in forested hills, thick rainforest with plenty of opportunity for adventure such as canyoning at the 300m high Sleeping God Canyon. The Pinnacles Walk in the Coromandel Forest Park is a highlight, and can be done as a one-day or overnight hike. The summit of the Pinnacles is at 758m and has great views of the forest and peninsula. Some parts are very steep.

Go surfing in Raglan

Day 3 in Raglan

The surfing town of Raglan on the Waikato coast is the perfect place to spend a few days lazing by the sea. Look for the black sand Ngarunui beach and the impossibly long surf breaks at Manu Bay, then spend evening enjoying its beach bars and restaurants.

Explore Maori history Rotorua

Day 4–5 in Rotorua

An eggy scent hangs over sulphuric Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island, which is home to spectacular geothermal springs, bubbling mud pools, geysers, and colourful geothermal terraces.

These natural features can be seen at various parks and open areas throughout Rotorua, but for a quieter experience, visit one outside the city. Orakei Korako, between Rotorua and Taupo, is a bit of a detour and requires a short boat ride to get across to the thermal terraces. If you’re driving a self-contained camper van, you’re allowed to park here overnight.

However, it’s not just the landscapes that attract visitors – 34% of Rotorua’s population is Maori, and cultural performances and banquets are worth seeing.

Get on the water at Lake Taupo

Day 6–7 in Lake Taupo

Vast Lake Taupo is as big as Singapore and was created 2,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption so huge it would have been seen from China.

Today, visitors come for the magnificent Huka Falls, Maori rock carvings and watersports. Lake Taupo is also an excellent base for exploring nearby Tongariro National Park, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike and skiing at Whakapapa.

Visit cultural Wellington

Day 8–10 in Wellington

Creative Wellington has a claim to be New Zealand’s most cultural city. From art galleries to theatre, craft beer to coffee, Wellington is a compact city packing a powerful punch. If you’re still looking for outdoor activities, try mountain biking or sea-water kayaking, or take a walk on the Makara Peak track for views across the west coast beach.