7-Day Couples Escape
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
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.
To finish the day off, wander through Viaduct Harbour, Commercial Bay, or Wynyard Quarter. Take your pick for dinner at one of Auckland’s vibrant restaurants.
Where to stay: Ambury Campground
Day 2: Day Trip to Waiheke Island
Take a day trip to Waiheke Island and get the morning ferry to Waiheke. Depart from Auckland’s ferry terminal for a scenic 40-minute ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. Once there, it is time to explore the Island and browse boutique shops and galleries in Oneroa Village, filled with handcrafted jewellery, fine art, and local fashion. Take a coastal walk through olive groves and native bush tracks, or for those with a spirit for adventure, enjoy a three hour ziplining experience with Eco Zip.
Then, enjoy a long lunch or go wine tasting with Anada Tours visiting Waiheke’s world-class wineries. Then, it’s time to get the return ferry to Auckland, head back in the early evening to the city for a relaxed night in or dinner at one of Auckland’s buzzing waterfront spots.
Where to stay: Ambury Campground
Day 3: Auckland to Tauranga (Bay of Plenty)
Leaving Auckland, drive to Tauranga and enjoy the scenic route through the Hauraki Plains. On arrival, walk Mount Maunganui / Mauao: Take the base track, which is around 50 minutes, for a gentle coastal loop, or challenge yourself with the summit track. Along the way, use the Arataki Cultural Walking Trails App to hear local Māori legends and stories that bring Mauao’s rich history to life.
If you wish, you can also take the time to explore Mount Maunganui Village and browse boutique clothing stores, artisan homewares, and stylish cafes. At the end of the day, enjoy some dinner and 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: Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park
Day 4: Tauranga to Tairāwhiti Gisborne
Today it’s time to drive to Gisborne and travel across the stunning East Coast, with plenty of photo-worthy coastal stops along the way. Be sure to check out, Gisborne Railbike Adventure, on arrival, enjoy a unique railbike journey along a decommissioned railway line with Gisborne Railbikes. Ride side-by-side on pedal-powered bikes while taking in river and countryside views.
To wrap up the day, settle in with a stroll along Waikanae Beach, followed by dinner at one of Gisborne’s fabulous restaurants.
Where to stay: Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 5: Gisborne – Maunga Hikurangi Sunrise
Rise early for the Te Urunga Sunrise Experience with local guides at Maunga Hikurangi. Be among the first in the world to greet the new day, surrounded by sacred Māori carvings and stories on this awe-inspiring mountain. This experience includes 4WD access and local storytelling. (Maunga Hikurangi)
Spend the afternoon visiting the Tairāwhiti Museum to delve deeper into the region’s rich Māori and European history. For dinner, choose from one of Gisborne’s local restaurants.
Where to stay: Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 6: Dive Tatapouri & East Coast Explorer
Today, it is time to explore Dive Tatapouri and begin the morning with the unforgettable Marine Wildlife Encounter, where you can walk across the reef at low tide and interact with wild stingrays and other reef species under expert guidance. A deeply engaging marine experience, even in winter. Enjoy an afternoon coastal drive and explore more of the Tairāwhiti coastline—visit Wainui Beach, and Makorori Beach. Stop along the wine for a breezy walk, or a coffee or a glass of local wine overlooking the surf.
After spending the day exploring, enjoy some dinner from one of Gisborne’s local restaurants.
Where to stay: Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Day 7: Gisborne to Auckland
Now, it is time to make the drive back to Auckland to drop off your camper. Along the way, enjoy the scenic journey through the rolling hills and farmland of the North Island’s East Coast and Waikato regions.
Break up the drive with a relaxed lunch stop in Whakatāne, a charming coastal town with riverside cafés and a laid-back atmosphere. Then, take the time to head back to the branch.
