Ultimate North Island Explorer: 14 Day Journey

Auckland to Wellington via Northland

This itinerary begins in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland before travelling north through Te Tai Tokerau – Northland, then following a long scenic route south through the centre of the island to Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington.

The journey first heads north to the harbour town of Dargaville and the wild coastline around Ōpōnoni, before continuing to Te Rerenga Wairua – Cape Rēinga, the northern tip of Aotearoa where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. From there the route returns through Kerikeri, Waitangi and Paihia, where Māori history and coastal communities shape everyday life.

After returning to Auckland, the journey continues south along the eastern side of the Hauraki Gulf, passing through Kaiaua, Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula before heading inland toward Matamata – Hobbiton, Tīrau and the clear waters of Te Waihou Blue Springs.

Further south the route moves through the geothermal region of Rotorua, the lake town of Taupō, and the mountain landscapes surrounding Tongariro National Park. From there the journey continues through rural towns such as Ōhakune, Waiouru and Taihape before reaching the vineyards and food regions of Hawke’s Bay.

The final stretch travels through the historic towns of the Wairarapa before arriving in Wellington.

The route is designed to move at a relaxed pace, allowing time for coastal stops, short walks, local food experiences and places that often turn into longer stays than planned.

Journey Snapshot

• Start: Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland
• Finish: Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington
• Route Style: One-way grand journey
• Travel Pace: Balanced and flexible
• Approx Distance: ~2,300–2,600 km
• Best Suited For: Campervans and self-drive travellers

Who This Journey Is For

This journey is ideal if you:

• Prefer real experiences over rushed itineraries
• Want a journey that feels grounded and authentic
• Travel by campervan or self-drive
• Enjoy flexibility without needing to plan every detail

You’ll Experience

• Remote coastlines and harbour towns across Te Tai Tokerau – Northland
• Historic places and seaside communities around Kerikeri, Waitangi and Paihia
• Small coastal towns and beaches along the Coromandel Peninsula
• Geothermal areas and lakefront towns around Rotorua and Taupō
• Food, wine and rural communities through Hawke’s Bay and the Wairarapa

“This is a journey you move through — not just a guide you read.”

What’s Included in this 14-Day Explorer Guide

• Full day-by-day itineraries
• Scenic stops along the route
• What to do in each location
• Where to stay
• Where to eat
• Sunrise and sunset locations
• Hiking trails
• Scenic drives
• Free and paid activities
• Hidden spots worth discovering
• Tohu Travel Tips drawn from real travel experience
• Extended experiences and additional stops
• Pacing strategy for longer journeys
• Booking and budgeting guidance
• Seasonal travel advice
• Weather and road planning tips

Price

$45.99 NZD

Instant PDF download
One-time purchase
Yours to keep and use anytime while planning your trip

Optional Local Explorer Guides

If you’d like deeper insight into places along the journey, you can add Local Explorer Guides.

These short guides include:

• local cafés
• beaches and short walks
• hidden spots locals love
• practical travel tips

Available Wellington to Auckland add-ons may include:

• Te Tai Tokerau – Northland
• Pēwhairangi – Bay of Islands
• Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland
• Waiheke Island (Te Motu-ārai-roa)
• Te Tara-o-te-Ika-a-Māui – Coromandel Peninsula
• Waikato
• Matamata
• Rotorua
• Te Moana-a-Toi – Bay of Plenty
• Taupō
• Tongariro National Park
• Te Matau-a-Māui – Hawke’s Bay (Ahuriri – Napier)
• Wairarapa

Price: $4.99 NZD

Now that you’ve chosen your itinerary, the next step is securing the right campervan for the journey.