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One of the best things about travelling by campervan hire is that you can explore New Zealand at your own pace. Take your time and enjoy the flexibility and freedom that only an RV road trip can offer.
With so many fantastic North Island destinations to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard yards for you. This handy guide lists 20 of the must-dos on a road trip around New Zealand’s North Island, including:
- Get a picture of where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea at Cape Reinga
- Check out the incredible Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri
- Learn a little history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Waitangi
- Take a walk on the wild side at Auckland Zoo in Auckland
- Check out epic views at the Sky Tower in Auckland
- Warm-up at Hot Water Beach in Coromandel
- Discover the history of Karangahake Gorge in Coromandel
- Admire the beauty of Hamilton Gardens in Hamilton
- Experience the magic of Hobbiton in Tauranga
- Walk up the Mauao Summit in Mount Maunganui
- Explore the Waitomo Caves in Waitomo
- Visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland in Rotorua
- Uncover the beauty of the Redwoods in Rotorua
- Check out the phenomenal Huka Falls in Taupo
- Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing near Whakapapa Village
- Become a wine connoisseur at Mission Estate Winery in Napier
- Cycle around vineyards for the day in Martinborough
- Uncover the magic of Te Papa in Wellington
- Experience movie mania at Wētā Workshop in Wellington
- Connect with nature at Zealandia in Wellington
1. Get a picture of where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea at Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga sits at the northernmost tip of New Zealand’s North Island. This is a spiritual and sacred place to Māori as it marks the point where their wairua (spirit) return to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. It’s also where you can witness the strength and power of two mighty oceans merging: the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Cape Reinga Lighthouse is the best spot to take in the views and capture some great snaps. The best time to visit Cape Reinga is during the summer months of January and February. It can be a very windy spot, so if you’re visiting in winter, be sure to pack a beanie and jacket.
Looking for a great campsite nearby? Book into the Pukenui Holiday Park.
2. Check out the incredible Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri
New Zealand is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, and one of the best is Rainbow Falls in Kerikeri. Pack a picnic and enjoy the short walk through the forest trail before reaching the picturesque 27-metre waterfall. Thanks to Northland’s sub-tropical climate, Kerikeri is a great place to visit year-round. However, the falls are always more magnificent after a period of rainfall.
Enjoy a relaxing stay at the Kerikeri Campground.
3. Learn a little history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Waitangi
Discover more about New Zealand’s cultural history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The Treaty Grounds are also known as the ‘Birthplace of our Nation’. It is where much of New Zealand’s history was shaped through the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1835 and the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The Treaty Grounds are at their busiest during Waitangi Day commemorations on 6 February.
Park your campervan up for the night at the Waitangi Holiday Park. This picturesque campground offers unpowered and powered campsite facilities.
4. Take a walk on the wild side at Auckland Zoo in Auckland
Home to 135 species and over 1400 animals, Auckland Zoo is the largest zoo in New Zealand. See the cheeky spider monkeys, mighty Sumatran tigers, and our precious native tuatara and kiwi. Bring along a picnic or grab lunch from the onsite café. Afterwards, take a walk through Western Springs Park, right next door. There’s a great playground here for the kids.
Plan a stay at Avondale Motor Park. There are plenty of powered camping sites to choose from and Britz campervan travellers are always made very welcome.
5. Check out epic views at the Sky Tower in Auckland
For the very best views of Auckland city, we recommend going to heights of 186 metres! Auckland’s Sky Tower offers 360-degree views stretching for around 80 km in every direction. Spot all of the city’s key landmarks including its 53 volcanoes. For the best views, plan this Auckland must-do for a sunny day.
Enjoy a beachside stay at the beautiful Takapuna Beach Holiday Park.
6. Warm-up at Hot Water Beach in Coromandel
At first glance, you may think Hot Water Beach in Coromandel is simply another beautiful New Zealand beach. But this special spot has a hidden secret. Here, you can dig your own natural hot pool. Hire a shovel from the local surf shop, find a spot to dig, and enjoy! The best time to visit for a soothing soak is two hours either side of low tide.
For a great campsite nearby, head to Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park.
7. Discover the history of Karangahake Gorge in Coromandel
The Karangahake Gorge Walkway is a must-do on your North Island road trip. This area was once used for gold mining and there are many mining relics, tunnels to explore, and bridges along the way. The walkway follows the old railway line between Paeroa and Waihi. The full walk takes around four hours return (7 km). If you prefer a shorter walk, take the Rail Tunnel Loop track which takes about 45 minutes (2.5 km).
One of the best campgrounds nearby is Miranda Holiday Park.
8. Admire the beauty of Hamilton Gardens in Hamilton
One of the best things to do in New Zealand’s North Island is a visit to the Hamilton Gardens. Wander through 28 unique gardens across five incredible collections. Visit the tea party in the Mansfield Garden, see the mythical beasts in the Tudor Garden, or go back in time to the Ancient Egyptian Garden. There are plenty of lovely picnic spots, so bring lunch and make a day of it. The Hamilton Gardens are worth a visit at any time of year with something different to enjoy in every season.
Park up for the night at the Glenview Club Motorhome Park.
9. Experience the magic of Hobbiton in Tauranga
You simply can’t do a North Island road trip without a stop at Hobbiton. Even if you’re not a fan of the Lord of The Rings or Hobbit movies, this outstanding attraction is a New Zealand North Island must-do. Explore the real Middle-earth where the magical movies were made as you take a fully guided tour around the 12-acre set.
Park up your campervan and enjoy a great stay at the Rotorua Family Holiday Park.
10. Walk up the Mauao Summit in Mount Maunganui
The Mount Maunganui summit track, also known as the Mauao track, is one of New Zealand’s popular walks. The track is quite steep, so you’ll need to be fairly fit. But the 360-degree views at the top are simply incredible. Towering 232 metres above sea level, the summit overlooks the Western Bay of Plenty and north across Matakana Island towards Waihi Beach. For an unforgettable experience, pack some breakfast and plan your hike up the summit just before dawn to watch the sunrise.
Enjoy the great campsite facilities at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park.
11. Explore the Waitomo Caves in Waitomo
One of the best places to visit in the North Island of New Zealand is the Waitomo Caves. Take a boat ride through a magical glow worm grotto where you’ll see thousands of sparkling glow worms. You can also journey down the spectacular spiral entrance of the Ruakuri Cave. Here, you’ll see ancient limestone formations and learn more about the fascinating history of this special region. If you’re up for a thrilling adventure, you can even go blackwater rafting through the caves.
Enjoy the great campsite facilities at the nearby Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park. This handy campground is just 600 metres away from the Waitomo Caves.
12. Visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland in Rotorua
Marvel at New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal attraction. The Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is an other-worldly landscape unlike anything you’ve seen before. Walk along the boardwalk to see bubbling mud pools, vivid green sulphuric lakes, and the Lady Knox Geyser which erupts daily at 10.15 am.
Enjoy a stay at the nearby Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park.
13. Uncover the beauty of the Redwoods in Rotorua
One of Rotorua’s most popular outdoor attractions, The Redwoods forest has over 5600 hectares waiting to be explored. The forest has a fantastic network of mountain biking and walking tracks that wind their way through the mammoth Californian Coast Redwoods. There’s an i-Site near the car park for advice on the best tracks to take or for a snack and coffee to go.
Plan a stay at the Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park. This great campsite is just across the road from the beautiful Blue Lake – perfect for a cooling swim in summer.
14. Check out the phenomenal Huka Falls in Taupo
Another of the best free things to do in New Zealand, the Huka Falls is a must-do while in Taupo. Witness the mesmerising power of more than 220,000 litres of water per second crashing over an 11-metre-high waterfall. Watch from the footbridge, or if you’re keen on a closer look, try a jet boat ride or river cruise.
Park up for the night at one of the great powered camping sites at the Lake Taupo Holiday Resort.
15. Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing near Whakapapa Village
Walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a bucket-list item for kiwis and tourists alike. This 19.4 km walk takes between 7 – 9 hours depending on the time of year. The crossing takes you past an ever changing volcanic landscape including steaming vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, and vivid crater lakes. The best time for this walk is from November to May.
Put your feet up for the night at Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort.
16. Become a wine connoisseur at Mission Estate Winery in Napier
Enjoy the great wine, excellent food, and intriguing history at the Mission Estate Winery. This award-winning winery and iconic New Zealand landmark was established in 1851 by French missionaries. It’s New Zealand’s oldest winery and a fantastic spot to enjoy-world class cuisine and sustainably grown wines.
Enjoy a stay at one of the great camping spots at Kennedy Park Resort Napier.
17. Cycle around vineyards for the day in Martinborough
Keen to add a few more great New Zealand wineries to your road trip itinerary planner? The township of Martinborough is the place to do it! And one of the very popular ways is to hire a bike and pedal the vineyards. Plan to stop at Poppies, Columbo, and Ati Rangi vineyards
Park your campervan up tonight at Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park.
18. Uncover the magic of Te Papa in Wellington
There’s no better place to learn about the history and culture of New Zealand than the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa. One of the most unforgettable exhibitions is Gallipoli: The Scale of War. See the giant lifelike sculptures that each took thousands of hours to create. Hear stories of the Gallipoli campaign through the eyes and words of eight ordinary New Zealanders.
Relax for the night and enjoy the great campsite facilities on offer at Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park.
19. Experience movie mania at Wētā Workshop in Wellington
Keen to see how New Zealand’s world-famous movie-making magic comes to life? Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at Wētā Workshop. See props and costumes crafted for The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, District 9, and The Chronicles of Narnia. While you’re there, take a creative workshop. Choose from sculpting, leatherwork, or an intro into special effects makeup. Put your feet up for the night at Wellington's Kiwi Holiday Park.
20. Connect with nature at Zealandia in Wellington
Get a close-up look at some of New Zealand’s precious native wildlife. Located just minutes from central Wellington, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is a Wellington must-do. Zealandia is the world’s first fully fenced, predator-proof ecosanctuary. The 225-hectare ground-breaking conservation project is a haven for some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife. It’s also a must-see destination to add to your North Island itinerary.
Enjoy the great campsite facilities on offer at the Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Are you ready to explore the beautiful North Island?
From sub-tropical Northland to the bustling capital city of Wellington, the North Island has something on offer for every kind of campervan traveller. Cycle through forests – or cycle through vineyards! Go rafting through caves, or soak away the day in a natural hot pool. Of course, you could do it all! And why not? Take the first step towards your North Island adventure and book your Britz campervan today.