North Island in 14 Days by Campervan: Auckland to Wellington
Quick summary: Two weeks lets you see the North Island properly by campervan or motorhome, from the subtropical Bay of Islands to the capital. This one-way itinerary heads north from Auckland to Northland and the kauri forests, then south around the Coromandel Peninsula, through Rotorua and Taupō, across Tongariro National Park and down to Wellington, ready for the ferry to the South Island. It covers around 1,585 km.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Trip length | 14 days |
| Pick up and drop off | Auckland to Wellington (one-way) |
| Total distance | Around 1,585 km |
| Total driving time | Around 23 hours |
| Longest driving day | Day 14, around 340 km to Wellington |
| Rest or tour days | Days 2, 3 and 13 |
| Highlights | Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga, Waipoua Forest, Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Wellington |
| Best for | Travellers wanting the full North Island, or the first half of a trip across both islands |
Why choose this itinerary?
Because it covers the full sweep of the North Island without backtracking: beaches and history in the far north, the giant kauri, the Coromandel coast, the geothermal heartland and the volcanic plateau. Finishing in Wellington sets you up perfectly for the Cook Strait ferry if you are continuing south.
Day 1: Auckland to Paihia
Distance: around 230 km, around 3 hours 15 minutes of driving.
Collect your motorhome in Auckland and drive north via Whangārei, stopping at Whangārei Falls.
Overnight: Paihia.
Day 2: The Bay of Islands
Distance: minimal driving.
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, then take a cruise to the Hole in the Rock or a dolphin-watching trip. Cross to Russell on the car ferry for an evening stroll.
Overnight: Paihia.
Day 3: Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach
Distance: no driving if you take a tour.
Join a four-wheel-drive coach tour to Cape Reinga, driving along Ninety Mile Beach and stopping to sandboard on the Te Paki dunes.
Overnight: Paihia.
Day 4: Paihia to the Hokianga
Distance: around 90 km, around 1 hour 30 minutes of driving.
Stop at Kerikeri’s Stone Store, then cross to the west coast and the Hokianga Harbour.
Overnight: Ōpononi or Omapere.
Day 5: Waipoua Forest and Dargaville
Distance: around 95 km, around 1 hour 30 minutes of driving.
Walk to Tāne Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere in Waipoua Forest, then swim at the Kai Iwi Lakes.
Overnight: Kai Iwi Lakes or Dargaville.
Day 6: Dargaville to Auckland
Distance: around 180 km, around 2 hours 30 minutes of driving.
Return south, stopping at Matakana or the beaches north of Auckland.
Overnight: Auckland or the Firth of Thames.
Day 7: Auckland to Coromandel Town
Distance: around 170 km, around 2 hours 45 minutes of driving.
Drive the winding Thames Coast road to Coromandel Town and ride the mountain railway.
Overnight: Coromandel Town.
Day 8: Coromandel Town to Hahei
Distance: around 80 km, around 1 hour 30 minutes of driving.
Cross the ranges to Whitianga, then continue to Hahei.
Experiences: a boat or kayak trip to Cathedral Cove.
Overnight: Hahei.
Day 9: Hahei to Mount Maunganui
Distance: around 160 km, around 2 hours 30 minutes of driving.
Hot Water Beach at low tide, then south via Whangamatā and Waihi.
Experiences: the Mauao summit walk and hot salt water pools.
Overnight: Mount Maunganui.
Day 10: Mount Maunganui to Rotorua
Distance: around 60 km, around 1 hour of driving.
Arrive in Rotorua in time for a geothermal park in the afternoon.
Experiences: an evening Māori cultural performance and hāngī.
Overnight: Rotorua.
Day 11: Rotorua to Taupō
Distance: around 80 km, around 1 hour of driving.
Wai-O-Tapu in the morning, then Huka Falls and Taupō.
Experiences: a lake cruise, skydive or hot pools.
Overnight: Taupō.
Day 12: Taupō to Tongariro National Park
Distance: around 100 km, around 1 hour 20 minutes of driving.
Drive along the lake to Tūrangi and into Tongariro National Park. Walk to Taranaki Falls in the afternoon.
Overnight: National Park Village or Whakapapa.
Day 13: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Distance: no driving; use a shuttle.
Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, around 19 km, past craters and emerald lakes. If the weather is poor, choose a lower-level walk instead.
Overnight: National Park Village or Whakapapa.
Day 14: Tongariro to Wellington
Distance: around 340 km, around 4 hours 30 minutes of driving.
Drive south via Taihape and the Kāpiti Coast to Wellington, and drop off your motorhome, or board the ferry to continue in the South Island.
How can you adjust this itinerary?
- To add Waitomo and Hobbiton: swap Day 6 and Day 7 for a route south via the Waikato and Waitomo leg.
- To add Hawke’s Bay: from Taupō, head to Napier and south through the Wairarapa. See our Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa route.
- To continue south: see our Auckland to Christchurch in 21 days.
Can you end a North Island RV trip in Wellington and fly home?
Yes. Wellington has campervan and motorhome drop-off depots and an international airport, though many long-haul connections route through Auckland. Alternatively, keep the vehicle and continue across Cook Strait on the ferry for a trip that covers both islands.
Which route guides does this itinerary use?
Compare campervan and motorhome hire in Auckland
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Fourteen days lets you see the North Island from the Bay of Islands to Wellington, including Northland, the Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupō and Tongariro, at a comfortable pace.
Around 1,585 km, or around 23 hours of driving, from Auckland to Wellington.
A four-wheel-drive coach tour from the Bay of Islands drives Ninety Mile Beach, which rental motorhomes are commonly not permitted to do, and saves around 420 km of driving.
Most walkers use a shuttle because the track starts and finishes in different places, and booking ahead is recommended, especially in summer.
Yes. The itinerary finishes in Wellington beside the Cook Strait ferry terminals, ready to sail to Picton.