Hawke’s Bay Marathon: 10 Day North Island Campervan Itinerary for Nature, Trails and Taste

Ease into the trip with a coastal cruise to the Coromandel, home to creamy sands, emerald bays and laid-back villages. Today balances scenic driving with beach time, so you can shake out your legs and settle into holiday mode. 

Where to stop between Auckland and the Coromandel 

Thames for a coffee and a stroll along the historic waterfront. Tairua for a short climb up Mount Paku with sweeping views of the harbour and offshore islets. Hot Water Beach at low tide to dig your own seaside soak. Cathedral Cove coastline for photogenic headlands and turquoise water. Check current track access, or opt for a kayak or boat tour to enjoy the marine reserve from the water. 

Things to do in the Coromandel 

Swim, snorkel or simply laze on the sand at Hahei Beach. If you are keen for a gentle first-day run, jog the coastal road between Hahei and the lookout points at sunrise or sunset. Cap the day with fish and chips by the shore, listening to the Pacific roll in. 

Where to stay in the Coromandel 

Set up at Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park for easy access to the hot springs and nearby beaches, or base yourself at Mercury Bay Holiday Park in Whitianga for a friendly, central spot close to cafes and the waterfront. 

Leave the coast for Rotorua’s geothermal heartland. Today’s drive sweeps through orchard country toward Rotorua’s lakes and forests, with routes that skirt or cross the Kaimai Range depending on the way you go. 

Where to stop between the Coromandel and Rotorua 

Tairua or Whangamatā for a final beach view and leg stretch. Mount Maunganui to walk the base track for ocean vistas before heading inland. Lookouts over the Kaimai area that frame the Waikato farmlands like a patchwork quilt. 

Things to do in Rotorua 

Head straight for Whakarewarewa Forest, known as the Redwoods, where an immense network of trails caters to all levels of mountain bikers and walkers. The towering redwoods create a cathedral-like atmosphere that is both energising and calming. In the afternoon, soak in a hot pool to soothe travel muscles, or join an evening cultural experience to connect with Māori traditions, storytelling and kai. Runners can enjoy soft forest loops that double as a gentle pre-race tune-up. 

Where to stay in Rotorua 

Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park puts you close to both the Redwoods and geothermal attractions, with on-site hot pools for easy recovery. Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park is another scenic option beside a tranquil lake ideal for a refreshing dip.

This short hop lets you savour the volcanic plateau at a leisurely pace. You will pass steaming valleys and bright mineral terraces before arriving at the North Island’s largest lake. 

Where to stop between Rotorua and Taupō 

Wai-O-TapuWai-O-Tapu or another geothermal reserve for vibrant hot pools and sinter terraces. Aratiatia Rapids to watch the controlled dam release transform a tranquil gorge into surging whitewater. Lakeview pullouts framing the water with snow-dusted peaks on the horizon in cooler months. 

Things to do in Taupō 

Feel the thunder of Huka Falls as the Waikato River funnels through a narrow chasm, sending up a mist you can hear before you see. Stroll or cycle the lakefront shared path for big-lake views and gentle gradients perfect for an afternoon spin. For a soothing soak, find the natural hot stream at Spa Park where thermal water meets the river. Cafes and breweries in town make it easy to refuel with a view. 

Where to stay in Taupō 

Lake Taupō Holiday Resort offers spacious sites and family-friendly pools, while Taupō TOP 10 Holiday Park provides a quiet, leafy base with easy access to Huka Falls and the highway for tomorrow’s drive. 

Trade mountain lakes for sunny vineyard country as you cross the highlands toward the coast. The road undulates through rugged hills and pine forests before spilling into fertile plains. 

Where to stop between Lake Taupō and Napier 

Waipunga Falls lookout to watch twin cascades plunge into a forested gorge. Mohaka River viewpoints for sweeping valley vistas. Roadside orchards and cellar doors that hint at Hawke’s Bay’s bounty as you descend. 

Things to do in Napier and Hastings 

 Stretch your legs with an Art Deco walking circuit in Napier, where pastel facades and geometric details tell the story of the 1931 rebuild. Wander Marine Parade’s oceanfront path, visit the National Aquarium for a dose of wildlife, then head inland to Hastings for eateries that champion local produce. If you have time before dusk, drive up to Te Mata Peak for a panorama of vineyard rows, river meanders and the Pacific beyond. 

Where to stay in Hawke’s Bay 

Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park puts you right on the coast and is a short drive to Marine Parade, while Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a peaceful, central base for exploring wineries and race logistics. Both give easy access to the Hawke’s Bay Trails network. 

Race day in Food and Wine Country. Whether you are running the Run Away Hawke’s Bay marathon, half, 10 km or 5 km, or cheering with a coffee in hand, today is about soaking up the course atmosphere and vineyard hospitality. 

Things to do in Hawke’s Bay today 

Runners will wind through flat, fast stretches past orchards, vineyards and coastal paths with a celebratory finish at a renowned winery near Te Awanga. Spectators can station themselves at easy-to-access cheer points and then enjoy a leisurely tasting flight or long lunch while tracking finish times. Not racing? Saddle up for a relaxed ride on the Hawke’s Bay Trails, an extensive limestone path network that threads cellar doors, riverbanks and coastal reserves. Gentle recovery options include a stroll along Ocean Beach or Waimarama, or a sunset drive back to Te Mata Peak for golden-hour views. 

Where to stay 

Stay put at last night’s park to avoid moving the camper. The combination of coastal Napier or central Hastings works well for early starts, shuttle connections and post-race dining. 

Point the camper back inland toward the volcanic heart of the island. Today’s route returns via Taupō and Tūrangi, swapping sea breezes for alpine air and tussock plains. 

Where to stop between Hawke’s Bay and Tongariro 

Taupō for a lakeside coffee or a quick stop at Craters of the Moon's steaming vents. Motuoapa lakeshore pullouts for an easy picnic with views. Tokaanu Thermal Pools near Tūrangi for a warm dip if the weather turns cool. 

Things to do in Tongariro National Park 

Settle into the volcanic plateau with an afternoon walk. The loop to Taranaki Falls threads beech forest and open alpine country to a dramatic lava-edge cascade. If time is short, the easy track to Tawhai Falls delivers a lovely forested pool. On clear days, look up to the perfect cone of Ngauruhoe and the bulk of Ruapehu, which dominate the skyline. 

Where to stay in Tongariro 

Whakapapa Holiday Park sits inside the national park, placing you close to trailheads and the village. For a more rustic vibe, Mangahuia DOC Campsite offers a natural bush setting a short drive from Whakapapa. 

Keep the camper parked and devote a full day to New Zealand’s oldest national park. Peaks, craters and lava flows set the stage for some of the North Island’s most memorable walks and rides. 

Things to do in Tongariro today

If conditions and shuttle logistics align, tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for an iconic day hike past steaming vents, red craters and jewel-toned alpine lakes. Prefer something gentler ahead of more driving? Piece together shorter trails like Whakapapaiti Valley or Silica Rapids for big scenery with fewer climbs. Mountain bikers can ride the Ohakune Old Coach Road, a historic cobbled route through native forest and over heritage viaducts. Be aware that sections can be muddy and slippery after rain, so it rides best in settled conditions. In summer, scenic lifts may operate on Ruapehu for panoramic views without the climb. 

Where to stay 

Remain at your chosen base in or near Whakapapa so you can get an early start tomorrow and enjoy a relaxed evening under alpine stars. 

Descend from the alpine plateau into King Country farming landscapes en route to one of the North Island’s underground wonders. 

Where to stop between Tongariro and Waitomo 

Taumarunui for supplies and a bakery treat, then continue toward Te Kūiti. Ruakuri Bush Walk near Waitomo for limestone outcrops, tunnels and lush forest on a beautiful loop. Marokopa Falls for a short walk to a classic curtain waterfall if you have time for a scenic detour. 

Things to do in Waitomo  

Go from daylight to darkness on a guided glowworm cave tour that glides beneath thousands of luminescent pinpricks on mirrored water. Adventurers can opt for black-water rafting, an underground tubing journey through cave rivers and small waterfalls that blends teamwork and exhilaration. Back on the surface, stroll a loop through karst country to spot sinkholes, tomos and vivid green pasturelands stitched with hedgerows. 

Where to stay in Waitomo 

Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park offers powered sites close to the village and caves, with good facilities for rinsing off after underground adventures. 

Turn north for your return to the city, with easy stop options to add wildlife and gardens to your final road day. 

Where to stop between Waitomo and Auckland 

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park to see kiwi and other native birds in a purpose-built nocturnal setting. Hamilton Gardens for a wander through themed garden worlds. Optional detour to the movie set near Matamata if you have extra time, noting it adds significant time to the day. 

Things to do in Auckland 

Arrive back in the late afternoon and stretch out along the waterfront from Viaduct Harbour to Wynyard Quarter for sunset and dinner. If you would rather escape to nature, head west to the Waitākere Ranges for coastal views at Piha and a short rainforest walk to Kitekite Falls, keeping to open tracks. 

Where to stay in Auckland 

Takapuna Beach Holiday Park is a standout urban option with absolute beachfront sites and straightforward access to the city by frequent buses or via nearby ferry connections. Alternatively, plan an early drop-off tomorrow and spend this evening enjoying one last seaside stroll. 

Make the most of a final day in the City of Sails before handing back the keys. Auckland blends volcanic cones and harbour life with parks, galleries and great coffee on nearly every corner. 

Things to do in Auckland today 

Lace up for a morning run up Maungawhau / Mount Eden or around the green expanse of Pukekawa / Auckland Domain for skyline views and soft trails. Later, ferry to Devonport for village browsing and a short climb to Maungauika / North Head or Takarunga / Mount Victoria for sweeping harbour panoramas. Foodies can graze the Britomart, Commercial Bay and Ponsonby precincts, while culture seekers explore the Auckland Art Gallery and nearby Albert Park. If the legs still feel good, add a coastal jog along the Tāmaki Drive shared path toward Mission Bay. 

Where to stay 

Return your camper to the Auckland branch during your scheduled drop-off window. If you are spending an extra night, stay at Takapuna Beach Holiday Park again for easy beach access and a relaxed final evening. 

From Coromandel coves to Rotorua’s redwoods, Taupō’s thundering falls and Hawke’s Bay vines, this circuit stitches together the North Island’s classic contrasts with time to savour each one. Race, ride, hike and sip your way around then coast back into Auckland with a head full of views and a camera full of moments. Ready to make it your own? Tweak the pace, swap in a side trip, or lock it in around marathon weekend and enjoy an unforgettable loop of nature, trails and taste.