Day 1
Auckland to Paihia
Distance 229km - Driving Time 3 hours
Collect your camper at the Britz Auckland branch and point the bonnet north for the Bay of Islands. The motorway soon gives way to a rolling, forested coastline peppered with viewpoints and welcoming towns. By early afternoon you will be strolling Paihia’s waterfront, ready for island time.
Where to stop between Auckland and Paihia
Stretch your legs at Whangārei Falls or the Town Basin marina precinct. If you have extra time, detour to Tūtūkākā for sweeping headland views toward the Poor Knights Islands. Allow extra time for this side trip, as it adds roughly an hour of driving from Whangārei, plus time to explore.
Things to do in Paihia
Make Paihia your base to explore the bay. Walk or drive to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for an insightful introduction to Aotearoa New Zealand’s founding history and Māori culture. Hop the short ferry to Russell for heritage streets and hilltop vistas, or join an afternoon cruise among the islands with a chance to spot dolphins.
Where to stay in Paihia
Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park sits by the water with powered sites and easy access to town. Another solid choice is Bay of Islands Holiday Park near Haruru, a peaceful spot surrounded by native bush.
Day 2
Bay of Islands
Distance 30km - Driving Time 1 hour
Wake to the sound of tui and a day entirely at your pace. This is your chance to slow down and soak up the Bay of Islands.
Things to do in Paihia
Start with a morning swim at one of Paihia’s sheltered beaches or kayak along the shoreline. Wander to the waterfalls at Haruru, then ferry to Russell for lunch by the water. Back in Paihia, book an evening sailing or dine at a seafood bistro as the harbour lights glow.
Where to stay in Paihia
Stay a second night at Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park or Bay of Islands Holiday Park to maximise your time on the water and avoid packing up between adventures.
Day 3
Paihia to Ōrewa
Distance 200km - Driving Time 3 hours
Turn south and roll back along the east coast toward Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast. Today is a gentle transit day that keeps you below the city, setting you up perfectly for the Waikato and Rotorua tomorrow.
Where to stop between Paihia and Ōrewa
Pause in Kawakawa to admire the quirky, mosaic-laden Hundertwasser-designed toilets and grab a coffee. Back in Whangārei, the A H Reed Memorial Park canopy walkway offers an easy loop amid towering native trees. Continue to Ōrewa for a breezy beach stroll before sunset.
Things to do in Ōrewa
Ōrewa’s long sandy beach is ideal for an afternoon swim or a peaceful walk on the boardwalk. Cafes and gelato spots line the main street, perfect for a relaxed evening.
Where to stay in Ōrewa
Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park is right on the sand with spacious powered sites and modern facilities, making it a convenient overnight base.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Day 4
Ōrewa to Rotorua via Hobbiton (Matamata)
Distance 262km - Driving Time 3.5 hours
Skirt around Auckland and head into the green heart of the Waikato. Your headline stop is the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, an irresistible slice of Middle-earth before continuing to Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland. Allow extra time today for the tour and photo stops.
Where to stop between Ōrewa and Rotorua
Break the drive in Matamata for your pre-booked Hobbiton tour among immaculately tended hobbit holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. Afterward, the run to Rotorua passes forest and farmland, with a scenic pause at the Blue Spring Te Waihou Walkway near Putāruru if time allows.
Things to do in Rotorua
Rotorua serves up geysers, bubbling mud pools, and rich Māori culture. Visit Te Puia for the Pōhutu geyser and carving schools, wander the technicolour terraces of Wai-O-Tapu, then drift through the Redwoods Treewalk at dusk. Recover in a lakeside hot pool to cap the day.
Where to stay in Rotorua
Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park places you by the jewel-like waters of Lake Tikitapu with easy access to forest trails. Alternatively, All Seasons Holiday Park in Hannahs Bay offers a quieter stay near Lake Rotorua with great family-friendly facilities.
Day 5
Rotorua to Whakatāne
Distance 85km - Driving Time 1 hour 10 minutes
It is a short and scenic hop to the Bay of Plenty. Leave time this morning for one or two Rotorua favourites before gliding east through farmland and coastal views.
Where to stop between Rotorua and Whakatāne
Consider a lakeside pause at Lake Rotoiti or Lake Rotomā. As you approach the coast, Ōhope’s sweeping beach tempts with a quick swim or barefoot wander.
Things to do in Whakatāne
Stroll the riverfront to the Heads, keep watch for resident dolphins, and visit Mataatua Wharenui for a powerful cultural experience. Ōhope Beach is a classic afternoon spot for surfers and sandcastle architects alike.
Where to stay in Whakatāne
Riverside Whakatāne Holiday Park sits near the river and town centre. For a beachfront setting, Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park offers excellent family facilities.
Day 6
Whakatāne to Gisborne
Distance 200km - Driving Time 3 hours
Trace the coast to Ōpōtiki then wind through the lush Waioeka Gorge toward the sunny East Coast city of Gisborne. This drive is all leafy valleys, river views, and big skies.
Where to stop between Whakatāne and Gisborne
Grab supplies or coffee in Ōpōtiki, then take your time at Waioeka Gorge lookouts and picnic areas. If you arrive early in Gisborne, consider a short detour north to Tolaga Bay to admire its historic wharf, which stretches for about 660 metres.
Things to do in Gisborne
Gisborne greets you with golden beaches, renowned Chardonnay, and a feel-good coastal vibe. Catch sunrise from Kaiti Hill, taste at a local cellar door, then walk Wainui or Midway Beach at golden hour.
Where to stay in Gisborne
Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park sits right beside the sand and is a convenient base for town, wineries, and surf.
Day 7
Gisborne to Napier
Distance 214km - Driving Time 3 hours
Follow State Highway 2 to Hawke’s Bay. The road threads forested hills and rural townships before spilling you onto Napier’s art deco waterfront.
Where to stop between Gisborne and Napier
Pause at Ngā Hua o Mōrere (Morere Hot Springs) for a soak beneath native bush canopy, or stop in Wairoa for a riverfront walk. If the weather is fine, a side trip to Māhia Peninsula rewards with beaches and blue water.
Things to do in Napier
Take an Art Deco walking tour to appreciate the city’s 1930s rebirth, cycle the flat Hawke’s Bay Trails between cellar doors, and wander Marine Parade’s gardens and oceanfront promenade.
Where to stay in Napier
Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park offers coastal sites minutes from town. Alternatively, Kennedy Park Resort Napier is a family friendly base with extensive amenities.
Day 8
Napier to Masterton
Distance 230km - Driving Time 3 hours
Continue south into the Wairarapa, a region of boutique food producers, forests, and big skies. This stop breaks the run into Wellington and adds time for wildlife and wine.
Where to stop between Napier and Masterton
Call in at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre near Mount Bruce to meet native birds and learn about conservation initiatives. Greytown’s heritage main street makes a charming coffee stop on the way into Masterton.
Things to do in Masterton
Stretch out at Queen Elizabeth Park with its lakes and gardens or head across to nearby Carterton and Greytown for galleries and artisan stores. If you are keen on wine, consider an afternoon tasting detour toward Martinborough.
Where to stay in Masterton
Mawley Holiday Park sits beside the Waipoua River with spacious sites and mature trees. It is a peaceful base before the short hop to the capital.
Day 9
Masterton to Wellington
Distance 100km - Driving Time 2 hours
The Remutaka Hill delivers sweeping views as you descend into Wellington. With a short drive today, you will have most of the day to explore the compact capital.
Where to stop between Masterton and Wellington
Greytown’s boutiques and Martinborough’s cellar doors are tempting early stops. Near Upper Hutt, Kaitoke Regional Park offers emerald pools and native bush walks if you want a nature fix before city time.
Things to do in Wellington
Begin at Te Papa for world-class exhibits, then ride the Cable Car to the Botanic Garden and Kelburn lookout. Film buffs can visit Wētā Workshop, while nature lovers should not miss ZEALANDIA, a predator-free urban ecosanctuary alive with birdsong. Finish with dinner on Cuba Street or the waterfront.
Where to stay in Wellington
Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park in Lower Hutt offers roomy powered sites with an easy drive into the city by bus or car.
Day 10
Wellington to Whanganui
Distance 195km - Driving Time 2.5 hours
Head north along the Kāpiti Coast, where island views and sandy beaches give way to rural heartland. Today’s gentle stage sets you up for the volcanic plateau tomorrow.
Where to stop between Wellington and Whanganui
Pause in Paraparaumu for a beach walk with views to Kāpiti Island. Further on, the small town of Bulls delivers a lighthearted photo stop with its punny signage. If timing lines up, Foxton Beach is great for a picnic.
Things to do in Whanganui
Ride the historic Durie Hill Elevator to the memorial tower for panoramic views of the river and coast. Wander the riverside market precinct if it is a weekend, or take a sunset stroll along the boardwalk.
Where to stay in Whanganui
Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park offers leafy, riverside sites and excellent facilities. Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park near Castlecliff is another relaxed option close to the beach.
Day 11
Whanganui to Tongariro National Park
Distance 135km - Driving Time 2 hours
The landscape lifts as you ascend toward the central plateau. Snow-capped volcanoes often appear on the horizon, a thrilling preview of Tongariro National Park.
Where to stop between Whanganui and Tongariro National Park
Ohakune makes a fun break for coffee and a short stroll on the Old Coach Road. Near National Park Village, pull into roadside lookouts for your first photo of the trio of volcanic peaks.
Things to do in Tongariro National Park
Visit the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre at Whakapapa for track updates and shuttle advice. Warm up on the Taranaki Falls loop or Tawhai Falls walk, then organise your pack for tomorrow’s big hike.
Where to stay in Tongariro National Park
Whakapapa Holiday Park places you near the village and trailheads, with shuttles available in season. Discovery Lodge also offers powered sites and sunrise views across the volcanic plateau.
Day 12
Tongariro National Park to Taupō
Distance 100km - Driving Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Start early for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often called one of the world’s finest day walks. After an unforgettable day on the trail, it is a short drive north to lakeside Taupō for a well-earned soak and sunset.
Where to stop between Tongariro National Park and Taupō
Your key stop is within the park itself. Arrange a shuttle to the Mangatepōpō trailhead and finish at Ketetahi. After the hike, pull into a signed lake lookout such as Taupo View Lookout for a serene first glimpse of New Zealand’s largest lake.
Things to do in Taupō
Ease tired legs in hot pools, enjoy a lakeside meal, or take an evening stroll on the waterfront. If energy allows, a short cruise for sunset is a lovely way to wind down.
Where to stay in Taupō
Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort Holiday Park pairs powered sites with thermal pools on site. Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park is another comfortable, centrally located option.
Day 13
Taupō to Waitomo Caves
Distance 150km - Driving Time 2 hours
Leave the lake behind for the limestone country of the King Country. Today brings geothermal wonders at the start and glowworm galaxies by afternoon.
Where to stop between Taupō and Waitomo
Just north of town, visit Huka Falls and the thundering Waikato River. Nearby, the Aratiatia Rapids are spectacular when the dam releases water. If you want a short geothermal walk, Craters of the Moon offers a steaming lunar landscape right on the route.
Things to do in Waitomo
Join a guided tour into the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a silent boat glide beneath thousands of twinkling lights. For more time underground, Ruakuri Cave features a dramatic spiral entrance walkway and beautiful limestone formations. Adventure seekers can opt for black-water rafting through subterranean streams.
Where to stay in Waitomo
Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park is a friendly base close to cave tour departures, with a pool and hot tub for summer afternoons.
Day 14
Waitomo Caves to Auckland
Distance 195km - Driving Time 2.5 hours
Roll north through the Waikato to complete your loop. This final leg is relaxed, with time for a wildlife encounter or garden wander before returning your camper.
Where to stop between Waitomo and Auckland
Call into Ōtorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park to see New Zealand’s national bird and other native wildlife. If you fancy a garden stroll, Hamilton Gardens offers imaginative themed spaces. With extra time, a detour to Raglan delivers black-sand beaches and a laid-back surf town vibe.
Things to do in Auckland
Return your motorhome to the Britz Auckland branch and, if you have a final evening in the city, celebrate with sunset at Mount Eden or dinner on the Viaduct Harbour.
Where to stay in Auckland
If you plan to overnight before or after vehicle drop off, Takapuna Beach Holiday Park is a great beachfront choice with city skyline views.
This 14 day loop is purpose built for the freedom of a campervan. The drives are short, the stops are big on variety, and the experiences range from warm ocean swims to alpine crater lakes and starlit caves. Tweak the pace to suit your style, swap beach time for winery hours, or add extra nights where you fall in love with a view. However you shape it, the North Island is ready when you are.