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Head south from Auckland then east to the Coromandel Peninsula. Follow the east coast to Gisborne and the Hawke’s Bay. Return through the central North Island taking in Taupo and Rotorua and then the caves at Waitomo, before stopping at Raglan, one of the world’s best surfing spots, and finally heading back to Auckland.
Pick up and drop off destination in Auckland
Explore our top ten things to do in Auckland — then follow the Pacific Coast Highway to the Coromandel. With rolling hills on one side and rugged coastline on the other, driving up the Peninsula is a spectacular journey. On the west coast there is a never-ending parade of beaches, coves and inlets lined with pohutukawa trees (a red-flowering native of New Zealand). Stop in Thames, known as the gateway to Coromandel, for a mid-morning break. Continue driving up the western side of the Peninsula, through secluded bays and coastal settlements to Coromandel Township. Stop in Coromandel Town to soak up some of the small-town atmosphere. Overnight at one of the beautiful spots along the Coromandel Peninsula.
Check out our Auckland motorhome holiday guide and Coromandel motorhome holiday guide.
181 km
2 hours, 45 minutes
Overnight Stay
Today drive across to the Coromandel’s east coast, either via the 309 Road or on the slightly longer State Highway 25, which takes you past the beautiful beaches of Whangapoua and Matarangi. Arrive in the lively coastal town of Whitianga, a great place from which to enjoy the delights of the Coromandel. Overnight in Whitianga.
Things to see and do on the Coromandel’s east coast.
43 km
1 hour
Overnight Stay
Depart Whitianga for Tauranga along the Pacific Coast Highway, passing through the coastal townships of Tairua and Whangamata. Be sure to take in Whangamata’s Ocean Beach - mile after mile of white sandy beach, complemented by the azure blue waters of the Pacific.
Further south is Waihi, a historic gold mining town and one in which there is still a working mine sourcing both gold and silver. Stop in Katikati to view the unique wall murals for which Katikati is renowned. Arrive in the Bay of Plenty early afternoon and spend the rest of the day exploring the growing city of Tauranga. This region seems to have it all - a mild, sunny climate, some of the country’s most popular beaches and an abundance of orchards. Overnight in Tauranga.
Activities and attractions in the Tauranga region.
189 km
2 hours, 20 minutes
Overnight Stay
This is the longer route around the East Cape to Gisborne but it’s worth it for the magnificent coastal scenery and unspoilt beaches. Travel through Whakatane and view the East Cape Lighthouse - the first place in the world to see the sun. Then, head to Opotiki before following State Highway 35 around the coast. Overnight somewhere along the East Cape, perhaps between Waihau Bay and Te Araroa about the eastland region.
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Shorter route If you prefer, you can take the more popular route on State Highway 2. From Opotiki, turn inland on to the Waioeka Scenic Highway, a magnificent drive that winds through native forest. The Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve is a great environment for fishing, river swimming and rafting. If you take this route you can spend tonight either in the Waioeka Gorge Scenic Reserve or in Gisborne. |
278 km
3 hours, 50 minutes
Overnight Stay
Today continue your journey around the East Cape. Be sure to stop at the East Cape Lighthouse, the most eastern point on the New Zealand mainland. Then, continue your trip through isolated rural settlements and past Tolaga Bay – a walk to the end of New Zealand’s longest wharf is a must. Arrive in Gisborne and spend the afternoon enjoying the many activities and attractions on offer here. Overnight in Gisborne.
Check out things to do in Gisborne.
180 km
2 hours, 35 minutes
Overnight Stay
Continue the journey on the Pacific Coast Highway touring route (State Highway 2) to Napier. Stop en-route at Mahia Peninsula scenic reserve and beach - a great spot for fishing, surfing, swimming and diving. This afternoon, explore Napier and perhaps take a wine tasting tour to sample some of the many excellent wines grown in this region. Overnight in Napier.
215 km
3 hours, 5 minutes
Overnight Stay
Spend today exploring the Hawke’s Bay region. Overnight in Napier.
For more information on things to do read our Napier destination guide.
Overnight Stay
Depart Napier on State Highway 5 for Lake Taupo. Enjoy the fantastic scenery, take your time and stop in local towns along the way for a taste of real New Zealand. The popular holiday town of Lake Taupo is a wonderful playground to spend the afternoon exploring. Overnight in Taupo.
Things to see and do in Taupo.
143 km
2 hours, 5 minutes
Overnight Stay
Drive to Rotorua this morning and spend the day enjoying the many activities and attractions this region has to offer.
In Rotorua, visitors have the opportunity to experience several Maori cultural activities and attractions as well as geothermal spots, adventure and adrenaline activities, mountain biking, hiking and wildlife, and agricultural attractions as well as beautiful lakes and native forests. Overnight in Rotorua.
For things to do check out our Rotorua motorhome holiday guide.
80 km
1 hour, 10 minutes
Overnight Stay
Spend another day and night enjoying the sights, sounds and especially the smells of this unique New Zealand location.
Check out more things to see and do in Rotorua.
Overnight Stay
In the morning, take the journey across to the Waitomo district. This area is where you'll find limestone caves, glowworms and underground adventure activities such as black water rafting. Overnight in Waitomo.
Things to see and do in Waitomo.
166 km
2 hours, 20 minutes
Overnight Stay
Depart Waitomo and head north through the Kiwiana town of Otorohanga and many small rural townships before turning west and travelling out to the famous seaside town of Raglan. This laid-back place is famous as one of the top surfing spots in the world. It’s a great area to spend a relaxed afternoon watching the surfers or enjoying the town’s relaxed bohemian vibe. Overnight in Raglan.
99 km
1 hour, 20 minutes
Overnight Stay
Travel from Raglan to join State Highway 1 at Huntly and from there, travel up State Highway 1 to Auckland. Spend the afternoon in the beautiful harbour city of Auckland. Known as the City of Sails, Auckland offers stunning scenery, from the volcanic cones of the city suburbs to the island-studded Hauraki Gulf and the beautiful rainforest of the West Coast.
Visit the SkyTower to get your bearings, and perhaps if there’s time take a ferry trip to Waiheke or Rangitoto Island. Overnight in Auckland.
For more things to do, check out our Top 10 Things to Do in Auckland.
150 km
2 hours
Overnight Stay
Spend some more time exploring Auckland today before driving back to the Wilderness depot for your departure.
We want to make your trip planning as easy as possible, so please feel free to get in touch. You can ask our motorhome holiday experts anything.
