Northland Journey: 5 Days from Auckland to Cape Reinga

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Sunset Cape Reinga

Quick Overview

  • 🕒 Duration: 5 Days
  • 🏁 Start/End Point: Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland (loop)
  • 🌤️ Best Time: October – April
  • 🚘 Driving Time: ~13 hours total
  • 🌺 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.

📥 Want a printable version? Download the FREE PDF itinerary here

Day 1: Auckland to Pēwhairangi – Bay of Islands 🌊

Hole in the Rock

Morning

  • 🛣️ Depart Auckland early for a relaxed coastal drive north
  • ☕ Stop at Whangārei Town Basin for coffee, art galleries, and harbour views
  • 🚐 Campervan Tip: Fill up with fuel and supplies in Whangārei

Explore the coastal charm of Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands — click here to discover cruises, island adventures, and cultural experiences.

Afternoon

  • 🏖️ Arrive in Paihia, your gateway to the Bay of Islands
  • 🌅 Explore Paihia Beach, take a dip, or just unwind by the sea
  • 🚶‍♀️ Sunset walk to Waitangi Bridge — stunning in the evening light

Evening

  • 🍽️ Dine at a waterfront restaurant like Charlotte’s Kitchen or Alongside
  • 🌇 Enjoy a quiet night walk along the bayfront

🏕️ Where to Stay (Campervan Style)

  • 🆓 Freedom Camp: Te Haumi Beach carpark (limited spaces, arrive early)
  • 🏕️ 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 here to 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, taking in dramatic coastlines
  • 🌅 Unwind at your accommodation or stroll a quiet Far North beach

🏕️ Where to Stay (Campervan Style)

  • 🆓 Freedom Camp: Ahipara – Wairoa Stream rest area (DOC approved)
  • 🏕️ Campground: Houhora Heads Holiday Park – peaceful and well equipped

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 here to 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

What to Pack 🎒

  • 👟 Comfortable walking shoes
  • 👙 Swimwear & microfibre towel
  • 🧢 Sunhat + SPF
  • 🌦️ Light rain jacket
  • 📷 Camera + spare battery
  • 💵 Small change for remote stops
  • 🗺️ Offline maps (some areas have no signal)

Local Travel Tips 📝

  • 🦠 Scrub your shoes before/after visiting Kauri forests
  • ⛽ Fuel up in larger towns – petrol stations are scarce up north
  • 📵 Expect limited mobile signal in remote areas
  • 🍟 Visit Mangonui Fish Shop before peak lunch hours (before 12 or after 2)
  • 🎟️ Book cultural and guided tours in advance

Optional Add-Ons & Experiences 💡

  • ⛴️ Fullers Ferry & Twilight Cruise – book ahead
  • 🪵 Footprints Waipoua Guided Tour – cultural legends & conservation insights
  • 💡 Kawiti Glowworm Caves – limestone formations & glowworms
  • 🏄 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 Journey and follow what feels right for you.

🧭 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.

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