🌺 Highlights: Ancient kauri forests, stunning beaches, rich Māori history, epic fish & chips
Follow the laid-back rhythm of the North as you explore golden bays, ancient trees, and sacred places. This 5-day campervan-friendly loop offers a beautiful mix of natural beauty, cultural depth, and coastal charm — a perfect slice of Te Tai Tokerau – Northland.
🏕️ Campground: Bay of Islands Campervan Park – powered sites and central location
Day 2: Waitangi & Kororāreka – Russell ⚓
Waka at Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Morning
🏛️ Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds– a deeply moving site
Join a cultural tour, see a waka, and walk through the Treaty House
🛶 Learn about Māori navigation and storytelling traditions
Explore Aotearoa’s founding history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds — click hereto view tour options and entry details.
Afternoon
⛴️ Catch the passenger ferry to Kororāreka – Russell
🏞️ Explore historical sites like Christ Church and Flagstaff Hill
📜 Visit the Pompallier Mission – one of the oldest buildings in NZ
🍴 Lunch at The Duke of Marlborough – iconic and delicious
Evening
⛵ Optional: Twilight sailing around the Bay of Islands
🛏️ Return to Paihia for the night
Day 3: Kauri Forests & the Far North 🌳
Tāne Mahuta
Morning
🌲 Drive west to Waipoua Forest – home of the mighty Tāne Mahuta
🚶♂️ Take a guided tour with Footprints Waipoua to learn about the spiritual importance of the kauri forests
Lunch
🐟 Grab fish & chips at Opononi Takeaways – a local favourite
Afternoon
🚐 Continue north toward Kaitaia, soaking in the dramatic coastal landscapes along the way. One of our favourite routes is to head to Rawene and take the Hokianga Ferry across to Kohukohu, then continue through Mangamuka Gorge and over the hill.
Alternatively, you can drive from the ferry terminal up to Ahipara, but be prepared for a lot of gravel (metal) roads on this stretch.
🌅 Unwind at your accommodation or stroll a quiet Far North beach
🏕️ Where to Stay (Campervan Style)
🆓 Freedom Camp: Awanui – Close to road so can be a bit noisy
🏕️ Campground:
Ahipara Top 10 Holiday Park – peaceful and well equipped
Ngapae Holiday Park – Right by 90mile beach and heading toward Cape Reinga
Day 4: Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach 🌄
90 Mile Beach
Morning
🌅 Optional sunrise at Cape Reinga Lighthouse – where oceans meet
🌀 Walk to Te Rerenga Wairua, a sacred place in Māori tradition
Experience the spiritual and scenic wonders of Cape Reinga — click here to explore guided tours, including options departing from Paihia.
Afternoon
🏄 Sandboard the Te Paki Dunes – pure fun!
🚙 Drive or join a guided tour on 90 Mile Beach
🧺 Picnic and swim at Tapotupotu Bay – stunning and secluded
Evening
🔭 Stargaze from the beach – some of the clearest skies in the country
🌌 Optional: Bring a thermos and blanket for a peaceful night under the stars
Day 5: Scenic Return to Tāmaki Makaurau–Auckland 🚗
Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland City
Morning
🛣️ Head south via the east coast loop
🥝 Stop in Kerikeri to explore the Stone Store and Rainbow Falls
🎨 Snap a quirky shot at Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa
Experience the best of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland — click hereto explore top-rated tours, from city highlights to island escapes.
Afternoon
🐟 Optional seafood stop at Mangonui Fish Shop
✨ Visit Kawiti Glowworm Caves – magical and family-friendly
💧 Final scenic stop at Piroa Falls before reaching Auckland
Why Book Your Campervan with Motorhome Republic?
With dozens of trusted rental brands in one place, Motorhome Republic makes it easy to compare, choose and book the right campervan for your Aotearoa – New Zealand adventure. From budget-friendly options to premium motorhomes, you’ll find something that suits your travel style and trip length.
We love recommending them because their booking process is simple, their customer service is excellent and they work with top suppliers across the country. Whether you’re picking up in Auckland, Christchurch or somewhere in between — it’s a hassle-free way to get on the road faster.
“Booking was easy, support was great and we got the perfect camper for our road trip. It was exactly what we hoped for.” — Feedback from a Motorhome Republic customer
🏄 Sand Safaris Tour – great for beach driving and dunes
Final Thoughts 💬
The Northland Journey is a breathtaking mix of coastal beauty, cultural heritage, and untouched nature. From towering kauri to golden sands, historic towns to sacred places, this 5-day itinerary connects you with the true essence of Te Tai Tokerau.
🌍 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 Journeyand follow what feels right for you.
✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.
🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.
Ki te kore ngā pūtake e mākukungia, e kore te rākau e tupu
If the roots of the tree are not watered, the tree will not grow
