East Coast Wine & Food Explorer: 14 Day Journey

Auckland to Wellington via the East Coast

This itinerary follows a scenic route from Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland to Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington, travelling down the eastern side of the North Island through coastal towns, farming regions and well-known food and wine areas.

The journey begins along the eastern edge of the Hauraki Gulf, passing through Clevedon, Kaiaua and Thames before continuing around the Coromandel Peninsula through places such as Whitianga, Whangamatā and Waihi.

From there the road heads south through Tauranga and inland to Rotorua, before following the quieter coastline through Ōpōtiki and Gisborne, one of the country’s important wine regions.

Continuing down the coast, the journey travels through Māhia and Wairoa before reaching the vineyards and food centres of Napier and Hastings in Hawke’s Bay.

The final stretch moves inland through small rural communities such as Dannevirke, Mangatainoka and Eketāhuna, before passing through the historic towns of the Wairarapa and finishing in Wellington.

The route is designed to move at a relaxed pace, allowing time for coastal stops, local cafés, wineries and places where travellers often decide to stay longer 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

• Eastern coastline drives and laid-back beach towns
• Wine regions around Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and the Wairarapa
• Rural landscapes and quiet backroads
• Forest walks and short hikes along the route
• Sunrise and sunset spots chosen for stillness and space
• Small towns that often invite travellers to stay longer

“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 East Coast & Wine Country add-ons may include:

• Te Tara-o-te-Ika-a-Māui – Coromandel Peninsula
• Te Moana-a-Toi – Bay of Plenty
• Rotorua
• Tūranganui-a-Kiwa – Gisborne
• 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.