Central North Island Itinerary – 7 Days of Adventure, Beaches & Culture 🗺️

Quick Snapshot 📍

• Duration: 5–7 Days
• Start/End: Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland (loop route)
• Ideal Time to Go: October to April ☀️
• Total Drive Time: Approx. 10 hours 🚐
• Trip Vibe: Coastal gems, cultural highlights, natural wonders 🌿

Click here to download Central North Island Itinerary – 7 Days of Adventure, Beaches & Culture PDF

Day 1–3: Auckland to Kapanga – Coromandel

Drive time: 2.5 hours

• 🏝️ Dig your own spa at Hot Water Beach (low tide essential).
• 🌊 Explore Cathedral Cove and its stunning rock archway.
• ♨️ Soak in the geothermal pools at The Lost Spring.
• 🥾 Hike the Pinnacles for epic sunrise views.
• 🐠 Snorkel the Orua Sea Caves or take a kayak tour.

Discover the natural beauty and coastal charm of the Coromandel Peninsula — click here to explore tours and activities.

Where to Stay 🛏️

• 🏕️ Campervan Options:
  • Freedom Camp: Long Bay Reserve, Coromandel Town – popular beachside freedom camping spot (self-contained only).
  • Paid Camp: Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park – beachfront powered sites with clean facilities.
• 🏨 Accommodation Options:
  • Budget: Anchor Lodge Backpackers
  • Mid-Range: The Olive Motel
  • Fancy: Driving Creek Villa

Day 3–4: Coromandel to Whakatāne

Drive time: 4 hours (scenic route)

• 📸 Drive through Paeroa, Waihī, and Tauranga for great stops
• 🌋 Book a tour to Whakaari/White Island (check access)
• 🏖️ Evening stroll along sun-kissed Ōhope Beach

Where to Stay 🛌

• 🏕️ Campervan Options:
  • Freedom Camp: Muriwai Drive Reserve – 3-night max stay near Whakatāne (SC vehicles only).
  • Paid Camp: Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park – excellent location with ocean views and full facilities.
• 🏨 Accommodation Options:
  • Budget: Ōhope Top 10 Holiday Park (also has cabins)
  • Mid-Range: White Island Rendezvous
  • Fancy: Quayside Apartments

Day 4–5: Whakatāne to Rotorua

Drive time: 1.5 hours

• 🎭 Visit Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village
• 🛁 Relax at Polynesian Spa
• 🌲 Do the magical Redwoods Treewalk after dark
• 🚠 Ride the Skyline Gondola and Luge downhill
• 🌈 Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
• 🔥 Book a hāngī dinner and show at Mitai Māori Village

Don’t miss Rotorua’s bubbling thermal wonders — click here to explore tour options and soak in the experience.

Where to Stay 🏨

• 🏕️ Campervan Options:
  • Freedom Camp: Boyes Beach Reserve, Lake Ōkareka – peaceful lakefront freedom spot (limited spaces, SC only).
  • Paid Camp: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park – hot pools, powered sites, close to attractions.
• 🏨 Accommodation Options:
  • Budget: Rock Solid Backpackers
  • Mid-Range: Regent of Rotorua
  • Fancy: Black Swan Lakeside Hotel

Day 6–7: Rotorua to Waitomo & Hobbiton (via Taupo)

Drive time: 1hr to Taupō and 2 hours further to Waitomo

• 🌸Leave Rotorua after Breakfast and drive to Taupō, check out Huka Falls, Taupō Lake front and any other activities you like. If you decide to stay the night and head to Waitomo Caves early the next day that is easy.
• ✨You can explore the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the morning and head to Matamata to do Hobbiton Movie set in the afternoon before making your way back to Auckland. It is a big day but a good day.
• 🏡 On your way back to Auckland, call it to Matamata and visit the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata

Step into the world of Middle-earth at Hobbiton — click here to browse tour options and book your visit.

Where to Stay 🛏️

• 🏕️ Campervan Options:
  • Freedom Camp: Waitomo Caves i-SITE Car Park – overnight parking permitted for SC vehicles.
  • Paid Camp: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park – central location, hot tub, powered sites.
• 🏨 Accommodation Options:
  • Budget: Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
  • Mid-Range: Waitomo Village Chalets
  • Fancy: Waitomo Boutique Lodge

Return to Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) 🌆

Drive time: 2.5 hours

• 🌸 Walk through Hamilton Gardens’ themed landscapes
• 🍽️ End the trip with a special dinner at Ahi in Viaduct Harbour – try the “Trust the Chef” menu for a true culinary experience

Experience the best of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland — click here to explore top-rated tours, from city highlights to island escapes.

What to Pack 🎒

• 👙 Swimmers and towel
• 🌧️ Light rain jacket
• 👟 Good walking shoes
• 📷 Camera or smartphone
• 🧴 Sunscreen & insect repellent
• 🔋 Power bank

Local Travel Tips 💡

• ⏰ Visit thermal parks early to avoid crowds
• 🍯 Try roadside mānuka honey – it’s a sweet local treat
• 🌊 Low tide is essential at Hot Water Beach
• ⚠️ Don’t touch the hot mud – it’s scalding!

Must-Try Local Flavours 🍽️

• Coromandel: Green-lipped mussels from The Mussel Kitchen 🦪
• Whakatāne: Oysters at Ōhiwa Oyster Farm
• Rotorua: Traditional hāngī meal at Te Puia or Whakarewarewa
• Waitomo/Te Kūiti: “Big As Ice Cream” – try Hokey Pokey or Orange Choc Chip 🍦

Need to Know 🧭

• 🏊‍♂️ Swim only in patrolled or signposted safe areas
• 📅 Book tours and stays early in peak months (Dec–Feb)
• 🔐 Keep valuables locked in your camper or car
• 🌀 Respect sacred or cultural areas – follow signs and guidance

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels — from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport, and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Kiwi.com and Aviasales for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Booking.com, Hotellook or TripAdvisor
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US

🧭 Some booking links can be shy around VPNs! If one doesn’t open, try turning off your VPN or switching to a secure Wi-Fi network.