15-Day Ultimate North Island Explorer
Arrive at Auckland International Airport, pick up your vehicle at the Auckland branch. Take the time to explore Auckland and choose your own adventure from the following recommendations:
- Auckland Museum: Set in the Auckland Domain, this museum offers a powerful introduction to New Zealand’s natural history, Māori culture, and military history.
- Visit the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city (SkyCity Auckland).
- Auckland Art Gallery: A beautiful blend of historic and contemporary architecture, this gallery showcases national and international works across four levels.
- All Blacks Experience: An interactive, high-energy journey into New Zealand’s rugby legacy – perfect for sports lovers, located at the SkyCity Precinct.
- Wētā Workshop Unleashed: Dive behind the scenes of blockbuster film-making with this immersive creative experience from the makers of The Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Located at the SkyCity Precinct.
Where to stay: Ambury Campground
Drive north to the Bay of Islands (approx. 3 hours), taking the scenic Northland Journey route – The Welcoming Coast. Stop in Kawakawa to see the iconic Hundertwasser Toilets and browse local Māori art at the Kings Theatre Gallery. 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.
Where to stay: Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Parks
Day 3: Exploring Bay of Islands
Start the day with a relaxed morning in Paihia or Russell. Take a stroll along the beach, browse boutique shops, and enjoy a coffee and treats from a local café. In the late morning, head out on a Dolphin-Watching and Hole in the Rock Cruise with Explore Group. Cruise through the stunning island-studded waters and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and birdlife. Spend the afternoon exploring further at your own pace—perhaps by kayak, or take a short coastal walk for more stunning views.
Where to stay: Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Parks
Day 4: Northland to Auckland
Begin the drive back to Auckland (approx. 3 hours). Break up the journey with a quirky and colourful stop at the Eutopia Café in Kaiwaka, a mosaiced café offering great coffee and snacks. Stop in Whangarei at the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery – a stunning building showcasing the visionary work of artist-architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser and the world’s first contemporary Māori art gallery. The rooftop garden, colourful design, and playful shapes have the WOW factor! 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 vibrant dinner experience with a variety of eateries and boutique bars.
Where to stay: Ambury Campground
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Day 5: Auckland to 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 (Coromandel Adventures).Walk the short but stunning track to Cathedral Cove, a beach framed by a giant archway.
Where to stay: Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Parks
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 (Coromandel Sea Kayaks).
Where to stay: Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Parks
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Day 7: Coromandel to 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.
Where to stay: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
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:
Enjoy dinner along Eat Streat, Rotorua’s bustling dining strip and Relax under the stars next to the forest at Secret Spot Hot Tubs.
Where to stay: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
Day 9: Rotorua to Taupō
Drive to Taupō (1 hour), stopping at the impressive Huka Falls for a short scenic walk. Explore Craters of the Moon or Ok 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!
Where to stay: Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park
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.
Where to stay: Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 11: Taupō to Ruapehu
Drive to Ruapehu (approx. 2 hours) via the scenic Desert Road. History buffs will enjoy the Waioruru 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.
Where to stay: Whakapapa Holiday Park
Day 12: Spend the day at Whakapapa
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.
Where to stay: Whakapapa Holiday Park
Day 13: Ruapehu to Tauranga (Bay of Plenty)
Drive to Tauranga (approx. 3 hours), travelling through rolling farmland and Kaimai Ranges. Explore Mt Maunganui. Those looking for a hike, take the Mount Maunganui base track or take the summit climb for sweeping views—note: summit track is moderately steep. Those looking to sit and relax and take in the sites will enjoy V8Trike Tours New Zealand. Here you’ll hop on a Kiwi-built V8 Chevrolet Trikes and journey through the stunning Bay of Plenty. For dinner, enjoy local cuisine at Mount Maunganui, or dine like a local at Bobby’s Fresh Fish Market and enjoy a casual meal of fish and chips perched on the wharf overlooking the ocean.
Where to stay: Top 10 Tauranga Holiday Park
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Day 14: Tauranga to Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Drive to Gisborne (approx. 4 hours), with a scenic break in Whakatāne. Enjoy some shopping and be sure to experience some delicious local food at one of their many cafes. On arrival in Gisborne, visit the Tairāwhiti Museum to explore art, history, and Māori taonga. Watch the sun set—or rise, if you’re early—at Wainui Beach, one of the first places in the world to greet the sun.
Where to stay: Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 15: Return to Auckland
Today it's time to drive back to Auckland (5.5 hours), passing through native forest and small rural towns. Stop at Mātaatua Wharenui in Whakatāne to experience one of NZ’s most significant Māori meeting houses. Celebrate your final night with dinner at a Viaduct or Commercial Bay waterfront restaurant.