Run the Forest Rotorua - 10 Day North Island road trip itinerary

After collecting your Britz campervan from the Auckland branch, point the nose east towards the Coromandel Peninsula, where kauri forests meet clear Pacific bays. Today is about easing into island time: winding coastal highways, pōhutukawa-framed views, and a seaside base in Whitianga that puts the peninsula’s greatest hits within easy reach. 

Where to stop between Auckland and Whitianga 

As you skirt the Firth of Thames, pull into scenic lay-bys for sea-and-sky panoramas and a leg stretch before the road curls around forested hills. The approach to the peninsula is as pretty as it is relaxing, with plenty of opportunities for a coffee break and a beachside stroll. 

Things to do in Whitianga 

Coromandel is a nature-lover’s playground. Time your visit to Hot Water Beach and dig your own sandy hot pool at low tide, letting the warm spring water bubble up beneath the surf. Seek out New Chums Beach, often praised for its white sand and clear water after a short coastal walk that rewards with a true castaway feel. If conditions and access allow, explore the famous sea-carved arch and marine reserve of Cathedral Cove by foot or boat for iconic photos of golden sand and turquoise sea. Back in Whitianga, wander the marina promenade for fish and chips at sunset. 

Where to stay in Whitianga 

Settle in at Mercury Bay Holiday Park. It’s well placed for easy day trips to Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, and New Chums Beach, with powered sites and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere close to town. 

From the coast to the caldera, today you trade ocean breezes for the scent of pines and geothermal steam as you roll into Rotorua, home to the Run the Forest event and a hub for adventure and culture. 

Where to stop between Whitianga and Rotorua 

Break the journey with a short walk through Karangahake Gorge. The historic trail follows an old railway alignment beside a tumbling river and through hand-cut tunnels and mining relics. It’s an easy, atmospheric stretch-your-legs stop that adds drama to your drive day. 

Things to do in Rotorua 

On arrival, wander the lakeside boardwalk and Government Gardens, where grand architecture nods to Rotorua’s long spa heritage. Keep your moving warmup gentle: an easy jog around the lakefront or a relaxed spin on family-friendly trails near town. As evening falls, fuel up in one of the city’s many casual eateries and rest those legs for event day. 

Where to stay in Rotorua 

Choose a holiday park near town that offers powered sites and hot mineral pools. Being close to restaurants and the lake makes pre-event logistics simple and gives supporters plenty to explore on foot. Two convenient options are Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park for its hot pools and leafy, spacious sites, or Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park for comfortable facilities within easy reach of the forest and lakefront. 

Event day is here. The forests that ring Rotorua are made for moving, and the Run the Forest event taps into that with a welcoming, trail-focused vibe. The program typically features a half marathon along with 10 km and 7 km courses, so there is a distance for every runner. If you’re running, you’ll weave through towering redwoods and native bush on well-marked trails. If you’re cheering, you’ll find spectator-friendly spots among the trees and at the event hub, with food trucks and music adding to the festival feel. 

Things to do in Rotorua 

Keep the rest of the day low-key. Stroll the lakefront, grab a celebratory bite in town, and take a gentle wander among the redwoods to keep your legs loose. Families and friends can ride the gondola for sweeping views or simply enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the gardens. 

Where to stay in Rotorua 

Stay a second night at your Rotorua base to avoid post-event driving and make the most of the city’s hot pools and eateries within easy reach. 

Today is for recovery, forest bathing, and a sprinkle of adrenaline if you’re feeling up for it. Rotorua’s blend of culture, geothermal energy, and giant trees makes it one of the most restorative places in New Zealand to spend a day after a big run. 

Things to do in Rotorua 

Start with a slow morning soak at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa on the lakefront. Thermal pools, a geothermal mud lounge, and wellness rituals rooted in local tradition help ease tired muscles and settle the nervous system. Later, wander the Redwoods Treewalk, a serene series of suspension bridges set among century-old trees that turns into a magical light-filled experience after dark. If your legs are keen, dip into Rotorua’s world-class singletrack in Whakarewarewa Forest on a gentle flow trail, or swap pedals for a harness and fly through ancient native forest on a zipline adventure that blends conservation and thrills. Cap the day with an early dinner and a lakeside sunset. 

Where to stay in Rotorua 

Remain at your Rotorua holiday park. Easy access to the lake, forest, and spa precinct keeps your recovery day blissfully simple. 

A short hop south brings you to Taupō, a lake the size of a small inland sea framed by distant volcanoes. With minimal time behind the wheel, you can spend the day drifting between geothermal boardwalks, thundering waterfalls, and lakeside paths. 

Where to stop between Rotorua and Taupō 

Stretch your legs at the Craters of the Moon geothermal walk. Steam curls from vents and crater rims, giving the landscape a lunar feel. It’s an easy loop with plenty of photo stops and a gentle way to keep muscles moving. 

Things to do in Taupō 

Feel the raw power of the Waikato River at Huka Falls where turquoise water surges through a narrow chute before plunging into a churning pool. Back in town, wander the lakefront, test the Spa Thermal Park to Huka Falls riverside trail for a mellow jog or walk, and, if you have time, join a boat trip to see the contemporary Māori rock carving at Mine Bay. The air is crisp, the views expansive, and recovery has never looked so good. 

Where to stay in Taupō 

Great Lake Taupo Holiday ParkGreat Lake Taupo Holiday Park offers a leafy setting close to town and trails, while Motutere Bay TOP 10 puts you right on the lake’s edge for sunrise swims and quiet evenings by the water. 

Continue south along Lake Taupō’s shoreline before the road rises into alpine country. Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO-listed landscape of lava cliffs, tussock valleys, and symmetrical volcanic cones. Even without tackling the big alpine missions, there are superb half-day loops and scenic viewpoints perfect for post-race legs. 

Where to stop between Taupō and Tongariro 

Pause at lakeside viewpoints to take in broad views back across Taupō’s waters to the peaks you’re about to approach. With a short travel day, there is no need to rush. Arrive early and head straight for a trailhead. 

Things to do in Tongariro National Park 

For a rewarding mid-length hike, set out on the Taranaki Falls Track. This classic 6 km loop crosses ancient lava flows and alpine meadows to a 20 metre waterfall that tumbles over an andesite cliff into a deep pool. On clear days, look up to see the perfect cone of Mt Ngauruhoe and the sprawling flanks of Mt Ruapehu glowing in alpine light. 

Where to stay in Tongariro National Park 

Base yourself near Waimarino (formerly known as National Park Village) or along the road to Whakapapa. You’ll have easy access to trailheads, mountain views from your site, and a cosy place to cook and relax as temperatures dip in the evening. Whakapapa Holiday Park offers powered sites right by the village, while Tongariro Holiday Park sits conveniently on the approach road to the park. 

Another full day in the mountains gives you time to explore at your own pace. With options ranging from gentle nature walks to more challenging tracks, you can tailor the day to your recovery and energy levels. 

Things to do in Tongariro National Park 

If you loved Taranaki Falls, revisit it in morning light, or choose another half-day track from Whakapapa Village. Alpine streams, beech forest, and boardwalks over tussock offer variety without excessive elevation gain. Spend your afternoon soaking up the volcanic panoramas from roadside lookouts and visitor centre exhibits, then settle in for an early night under a sky full of stars. 

Where to stay in Tongariro National Park 

Stay a second night at your Tongariro base to keep logistics easy and driving to a minimum. Tomorrow’s route trades alpine vistas for the underground wonder of Waitomo, and with short distances you’ll still have time for coffee and a last mountain photo before rolling out. 

Descend from the volcanic plateau into rolling Waikato farmland dotted with limestone outcrops. Today blends native wildlife encounters with one of New Zealand’s most otherworldly natural spectacles. 

Where to stop between Tongariro and Waitomo 

Call into Ōtorohanga Kiwi House to see New Zealand’s national bird up close in purpose-built nocturnal enclosures and learn how local conservationists are protecting native species. It’s a heartfelt, educational stop that brings the country’s unique wildlife into focus. 

Things to do in Waitomo 

Join a guided tour of the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and drift beneath ceilings that sparkle like a night sky. Limestone formations twist and tower around you, and the gentle boat ride through the glowworm grotto is a highlight of any North Island journey. If you’re keen for more, consider an additional cave walk or a dry cave full of stalactites and columns for a different perspective. 

Where to stay in Waitomo 

Park up at Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park or a nearby campground. You’ll be close to cave tour meeting points, village cafes, and dusk countryside walks beneath a chorus of birdsong. 

The final leg to Auckland follows a mostly rural route through the Waikato. It is an easy drive that returns you to the city with time to explore, traffic permitting. Take it slow, pause for a farmgate coffee, and enjoy the gentle shift from pastoral valleys to the harbour skyline. 

Where to stop between Waitomo and Auckland 

Break the drive with a picnic in a quiet riverside reserve or a short walk in a country town to stretch your legs. Keep your camera handy as the landscape transitions from limestone bluffs to urban vistas. 

Things to do in Auckland 

Back in Auckland, head for the waterfront to watch yachts tack across the Waitematā Harbour, or wander a leafy volcanic cone for sunset. If you fancy an easy leg loosener, follow a coastal path and toast the trip with a relaxed dinner in one of the city’s lively neighborhoods. 

Where to stay in Auckland 

Choose a conveniently located holiday park for your final night so you can enjoy the city without the stress of parking. You’ll be well placed to return your camper in the morning and sneak in one last seaside stroll. 

Give yourself a final, unhurried day to savor the city. Browse a weekend market, sip excellent coffee, and wander a beach or bush track within the city limits. Auckland’s blend of islands, harbours, parks, and eateries makes it an easy place to cap off an active, nature-filled road trip. 

From digging your own hot pool on a wild beach to soaking in a world-class spa, from trotting among redwoods to walking beneath living constellations of glowworms, this loop captures the North Island’s greatest outdoor hits with short, scenic drives and plenty of time to breathe. When you’re ready, you can easily book your Britz campervan online and pick it up from your closest Britz branch before hitting the road.