North Island Explorer: 14 Day Scenic Journey

Auckland to Wellington

This itinerary follows a scenic route from Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland to Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington, travelling through many of the regions that shape everyday life across Te Ika-a-Māui.

The journey begins along the eastern edge of the Hauraki Gulf, passing through small coastal towns such as Clevedon, Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula before continuing south through Whangamatā and Waihi toward the Bay of Plenty.

From there the road moves inland to Rotorua and Taupō, where geothermal areas, lakefront walks and forest tracks offer plenty of opportunities to slow down and explore.

Further south the route continues through Waitomo, Taumarunui and the mountains surrounding Tongariro National Park, before passing through rural towns such as Ōhakune, Waiouru and Taihape.

The final stretch of the journey travels through the food and wine region of Hawke’s Bay, then across the rolling farmland and historic towns of the Wairarapa before arriving in Wellington.

The route is designed to move at a relaxed pace, allowing time for short walks, scenic stops 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 highlights journey
• Travel Pace: Balanced with feature stops
• Approx Distance: ~1,450–1,650 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

• Coastal scenery and forested peninsulas
• Glowworm caves and underground landscapes
• Geothermal features shaped by heat and movement
• Volcanic lakes and alpine terrain
• Iconic filming locations, including Hobbiton Movie Set
• The option to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, weather and conditions permitting

“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 Add-On Town Guides

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

These short guides include:

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

Available North Island Highlights add-ons may include:

• Te Tara-o-te-Ika-a-Māui – Coromandel Peninsula
• Waikato
• Matamata
• Rotorua
• Taupō
• Te Moana-a-Toi – Bay of Plenty
• Tongariro National Park
• Ahuriri – Napier
• Te Matau-a-Māui – Hawke’s Bay
• Wairarapa
• Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington

Price: $4.99 NZD

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