First Light Marathon - New Zealand North Island 14 Day Itinerary

Ease out of Auckland and into a world of pōhutukawa-lined bays and clear water on the eastern Coromandel. Settle near Hahei and Hot Water Beach for a relaxed first afternoon by the sand and a classic New Zealand coastal evening. 

Where to stop between Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula 

Break the drive at Thames for supplies, then wind over the peninsula to Tairua for a quick leg stretch at the lookout. Time your arrival at Hot Water Beach for low tide, when geothermal springs bubble up through the sand and you can dig your own natural hot pool. Nearby, the walk to Cathedral Cove rewards with a picture-perfect natural rock arch and turquoise shallows. 

Things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula 

Swim, wander and explore. Walk the coastal track into Cathedral Cove for a late afternoon swim, or rent a spade and join locals on Hot Water Beach to soak as the sun sets. If you feel like a run to shake out the travel, take the Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove track as a gentle out-and-back. 

Where to stay in the Coromandel Peninsula 

 Set up at Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park for easy access to the springs, or choose Hahei Beach Resort for beachfront sites within walking distance of the Cathedral Cove track. Allow 45 to 60 minutes each way for the walk. 

Today rolls south through coastal towns and fruit-laden countryside to Mount Maunganui. The town hums with a beachy vibe, boutique cafés and a headland hike that is made for sunrise or sunset. 

Where to stop between the Coromandel Peninsula and Mount Maunganui 

Pause at Waihi Beach for a coffee with your toes in the sand, or wander the historic Karangahake Gorge loop if you fancy a short riverside walk. Arriving at the Mount, you will see Mauao rising from the ocean. Its Māori name means caught by the dawn, a hint at the rewarding summit climb. 

Things to do in Mount Maunganui 

Walk or run the Mauao summit track to 232 m for sweeping views over the Bay of Plenty. Down on Main Beach, try a surf session or laze on the sand. Refuel in town where breezy cafés line the main strip, then stroll the base track around Mauao for seal and seabird spotting. 

Where to stay in Mount Maunganui 

Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park sits beside the sand and the Mauao tracks, making it an ideal base. Alternatively, Tauranga’s waterfront holiday park offers quiet sites a short drive from the Mount. 

A short inland hop brings you to Rotorua, a city of steaming vents, crystalline lakes and towering Californian redwoods. With minimal drive time, you have a full day to play in the forest and explore geothermal culture. 

Where to stop between Mount Maunganui and Rotorua 

Stretch your legs at Okere Falls for a scenic river walk, or pull in at Te Puna Quarry Park for quick garden vistas. On arrival, head straight to the forests on Rotorua’s edge to begin your adventure. 

Things to do in Rotorua 

Ride or hike among giant redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest, a mountain biking paradise with over 160 km of trails flowing through fragrant forest. Balance the day with a geothermal park visit to see geysers and bubbling mud, then enjoy an evening Māori cultural experience and hāngī for a deeper connection to place. 

Where to stay in Rotorua 

Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park keeps you close to the Redwoods and hot pools. Tasman Holiday Parks - Rotorua is another comfortable option with great facilities and easy access to town. 

Give yourself a full day to luxuriate in Rotorua’s mix of adrenaline and relaxation. With so many trails, lakes and hot pools, it is easy to tailor the day to your energy levels. 

Things to do in Rotorua 

Spend a morning on the Redwoods’ beginner and intermediate loops or tackle hero trails if you are an experienced rider. Swap bikes for a forest canopy walk, then cool off with a lake swim at Tikitapu. For runners, the Redwoods offer soft, shaded tracks perfect for an easy taper if you are prepping for the marathon in a few days. 

Where to stay in Rotorua 

 Stay a second night at your chosen holiday park to keep logistics simple and enjoy an evening soak at a local spa. 

Roll east toward the quieter side of the Bay of Plenty. Today is about coastal calm and positioning yourself for tomorrow’s scenic drive through the gorge to Gisborne. 

Where to stop between Rotorua and Ōpōtiki 

Stop in Whakatāne or Ōhope for a beach walk and lunch with ocean views. The road then skirts orchards and estuaries toward Ōpōtiki, gateway to the East Coast and the Motu Trails if you are keen on a relaxed ride. 

Things to do in Ōpōtiki 

Stroll the dunes, try a casual surf and wander the riverside pathways. If you packed bikes, spin out your legs on a section of the family friendly Dunes Trail before dinner. 

Where to stay in Ōpōtiki 

Opotiki Holiday Park offers riverside sites a short walk to town, making it a handy overnight base. 

This is one of the North Island’s great drives. The Waioweka Gorge, often called Waioeka, unwinds through bush-clad ranges, clear rivers and picnic pullouts. You will emerge into Tairāwhiti Gisborne with time to settle in and sample its beaches. 

Where to stop between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne 

Pause at Waioweka Gorge Scenic Reserve for a short riverside loop and a picnic. Later, a quick stop at Te Karaka for coffee puts you within easy reach of the coast. As you approach Gisborne, the landscape opens to vineyards and long sandy arcs hinting at tomorrow’s sunrise. 

Things to do in Gisborne 

Head straight to Wainui or Makorori Beach for a swim or a surf. These east-facing breaks are renowned for consistent waves and a laid-back local scene. As evening falls, stroll the waterfront and enjoy fresh, local fare at one of the town’s inviting eateries. 

Where to stay in Gisborne 

Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park sits on the sand and keeps you close to the marathon festivities. It is an easy, central base for the next two nights. 

It is race day. The First Light Marathon celebrates Gisborne’s status as one of the world’s first places to see the sun. Runners set off with the dawn, while supporters gather along the course and beachfront to cheer as the sky warms from pale pink to brilliant gold. 

Things to do in Gisborne 

After the finish line revelry, refuel at a local café and wander the Tupapa Heritage Trail to learn the stories of the region. If you are cheering, start the morning on the sand and soak in the atmosphere before a leisurely brunch and an easy beach walk in the afternoon. 

Where to stay in Gisborne 

Stay put at Waikanae Beach TOP 10 for a restful recovery night steps from the ocean. 

Keep the tempo relaxed with a full day to explore Tairāwhiti’s wild side. From curious stingrays to tree-lined trails and a natural waterslide, today is pure East Coast fun. 

Things to do in Gisborne  

Join a guided reef walk at Dive Tatapouri where you can wade out to meet wild stingrays that locals fondly call Pancake and Waffle. Later, wander the paths of Eastwoodhill, New Zealand’s national arboretum with over 2,300 species. If you are craving a thrill, pack a bodyboard or tyre tube and head to the 60 m Rere Rockslide to zip into a clear plunge pool. Round out the day with a sunset surf at Wainui. 

Where to stay in Gisborne 

Enjoy a third night at Waikanae Beach TOP 10 to keep logistics effortless and your feet in the sand. 

Turn south toward Art Deco architecture, vineyards and craggy headlands. The coast between Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay is dotted with worthwhile stops and peaceful picnic spots. 

Where to stop between Gisborne and Napier 

Detour onto the Māhia Peninsula for a beach stroll and sweeping views, then continue to Wairoa for coffee on the riverfront. If time allows, soak at Nga Hua o Mōrere hot pools, also known as Morere Hot Springs, amid nīkau palms before completing the run into Napier along the shoreline. 

Things to do in Napier 

Explore the Art Deco streets of central Napier and the seaside Marine Parade. If you feel like a leg stretch, hike or run up Te Mata Peak for wide Hawke’s Bay panoramas. Foodies can pair the views with a late afternoon tasting at one of the region’s celebrated wineries. 

Where to stay in Napier 

Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park offers sea breezes and easy access to town. Westshore Holiday Park is another solid base near the estuary and cycle paths. 

Climb gently inland to the volcanic heart of the island. Today swaps ocean views for lake horizons and the deep thrum of the Waikato River. 

Where to stop between Napier and Lake Taupō 

Pull over at lookout points for forested valleys and distant ranges. As you approach Taupō, detour to Huka Falls where the Waikato squeezes through a narrow chasm and explodes into brilliant white water. 

Things to do in Lake Taupō 

Walk or cycle the flat lakefront path, take in geothermal landscapes at Craters of the Moon and browse Taupō’s cafés and lakeside art. Runners can enjoy an easy evening loop along the waterfront trail to keep the legs moving. 

Where to stay in Lake Taupō 

Set up at Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort for hot pools and family friendly facilities, or choose Great Lake Holiday Park for a quieter spot a short drive from town. 

Follow the lake’s western edge toward the volcanic trio of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. With a short drive today, you can arrive with time for an afternoon leg loosener in alpine country. 

Where to stop between Lake Taupō and Tongariro National Park 

Pause at viewpoints along State Highway 1 for lake panoramas, then continue into the national park as the peaks come into view. A quick stop at the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre in Whakapapa Village helps you plan tomorrow’s big hike. 

Things to do in Tongariro National Park 

Walk the Taranaki Falls Track through beech forest and lava fields for a taste of the park’s volcanic character. If you prefer a shorter option, explore the Whakapapa Nature Walk near the village. 

Where to stay in Tongariro National Park 

Whakapapa Holiday Park places you in the heart of the action, while Waimarino, formerly known as National Park Village, has convenient campgrounds with typical shuttle links for tomorrow. 

One of the world’s great day hikes, the 20.2 km Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses otherworldly terrain dotted with emerald lakes, steaming vents and ancient lava flows within a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a full day on your feet and absolutely worth it. 

Things to do in Tongariro National Park 

Book a shuttle to the trailhead, carry warm layers and plenty of water, and take your time over the volcanic saddle to enjoy views of Mount Ngauruhoe. The route starts around 1,120 m, climbs to about 1,886 m, then descends to the Ketetahi trail end. If weather closes the crossing, choose shorter tracks like the Tama Lakes or Silica Rapids and soak in the alpine atmosphere all the same. 

Where to stay in Tongariro National Park 

Return to your Tongariro base for a well-earned rest and a hot meal under starry skies. 

Trade the heights for rolling farmland and karst country as you head north-west to Waitomo. Short drive days keep things easy as you transition from volcanic peaks to underground glow. 

Where to stop between Tongariro National Park and Waitomo 

Stop in Taumarunui for supplies, or pause in Te Kūiti, famed for its sheep shearing heritage. The final stretch winds through limestone country hinting at the caverns below. 

Things to do in Waitomo 

Join a guided cave tour to drift beneath constellations of glowworms or, for adventure, try black water rafting through subterranean streams. Keep the afternoon light with a countryside walk to round off the day. 

Where to stay in Waitomo 

Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park offers peaceful, well-situated sites close to the caves and evening glow. 

Your final leg returns you to the city, with time to add one last North Island icon if you wish. The route north threads through green Waikato pastures toward Auckland’s skyline. 

Where to stop between Waitomo and Auckland 

Break the journey in Matamata for a guided visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, wandering past hobbit holes and lush gardens. If you prefer a garden detour, consider a quick stroll in Hamilton Gardens before continuing north. 

Things to do in Auckland 

Roll into the city, grab a celebratory gelato by the waterfront or take a quick walk around the Wynyard Quarter before returning your campervan to the Auckland branch. 

Where to stay in Auckland 

If you are staying on, choose a central hotel or a beachside spot on the North Shore. Otherwise, return your camper and begin planning your next New Zealand adventure. 

From digging your own seaside hot pool to running at sunrise on the East Coast, riding through cathedral-like redwoods, standing above Huka Falls and traversing Tongariro’s volcanic moonscape, this loop gives you North Island classics without long haul driving days. Customize the pace, add a winery lunch or an extra surf, then set your alarm for that golden Gisborne dawn. The first light is waiting.