Auckland to the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga by Campervan

Quick summary: Northland is New Zealand’s subtropical north and a superb first campervan or motorhome trip from Auckland: island-studded bays, golden beaches, ancient kauri forests and the place where the nation was founded. From Auckland the road runs north past Matakana and Whangārei to the Bay of Islands, around 230 km, then on to Cape Reinga at the very top of the country, a further 210 km. The return down the wild west coast passes the giant kauri of Waipoua Forest. Allow four to six days for the full loop.

At a glance
Start and end	Auckland to the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga, returning via the west coast
Distance	Around 230 km Auckland to Paihia; around 210 km Paihia to Cape Reinga; around 1,000 km for the full loop
Pure driving time	Around 3 hr 15 min to Paihia; around 3 hr from Paihia to Cape Reinga
Recommended time	4–6 days
Road character	Sealed main routes; hilly and winding in places, with some unsealed side roads
Key stops	Matakana, Whangārei, Paihia, Waitangi, Russell, Kerikeri, Doubtless Bay, Cape Reinga, Hokianga, Waipoua Forest, Dargaville
Overnight options	Holiday parks throughout, DOC campsites near Cape Reinga and on the coast
Nearest pickup city	Auckland
Best for	Beaches, sailing, history, kauri forests and warm weather

Why drive north from Auckland?

Because Northland feels like a different country. The climate is mild year-round, pōhutukawa trees lean over sheltered bays, and the pace is slow. The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s great playgrounds, with more than 140 islands to sail, kayak and cruise among, and dolphins in the bay.

It is also where New Zealand’s story as a nation began. At the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Māori chiefs and the British Crown, and the area is rich in Māori and early European history. Further north, Cape Reinga is a place of deep spiritual significance, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet.

What are the best stops between Auckland and Cape Reinga?

Stop	Distance from Auckland	Time to allow	Campervan notes
Matakana and Goat Island	Around 70 km (detour)	Half a day	Wineries, markets, marine reserve snorkelling
Whangārei	Around 160 km	1–2 hours	Whangārei Falls, art centre, full services
Paihia and Waitangi	Around 230 km	1–2 days	Treaty Grounds, cruises, Bay of Islands base
Russell	Short vehicle ferry from Ōpua	Half a day	Historic seaside town
Kerikeri	Around 250 km	Half a day	Stone Store, orchards, waterfalls
Doubtless Bay (Mangonui)	Around 310 km	1 hour to overnight	Fish and chips on the wharf, sheltered beaches
Kaitāia	Around 340 km	30 min	Last major town; supplies
Te Paki sand dunes	Around 420 km	1 hour	Giant sand dunes; sandboarding
Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua	Around 440 km	1–2 hours	Lighthouse where two oceans meet

Whangārei

Northland’s only city has a beautiful waterfall, Whangārei Falls, a short walk from the car park, and the Hundertwasser Art Centre, a colourful building inspired by the Austrian artist who made Northland his home.

Paihia, Waitangi and Russell

Paihia is the hub of the Bay of Islands, with boat trips departing from its wharf. A few minutes away, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds include the Treaty House, a magnificent carved meeting house and the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe, with cultural performances and guided tours. A short car ferry from Ōpua crosses to Russell, once known as the “hellhole of the Pacific” and now a charming historic town with New Zealand’s oldest church.

Kerikeri

Kerikeri is home to the Stone Store and Mission House, among New Zealand’s oldest buildings, along with orchards, galleries and the walk to Rainbow Falls.

Cape Reinga

At the northern tip of the country, a short walk leads to the lighthouse at Cape Reinga, where you can watch the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet in swirling currents. For Māori, this is Te Rerenga Wairua, the place where spirits depart. Nearby, the Te Paki giant sand dunes are popular for sandboarding.

The west coast return: Hokianga and Waipoua Forest

Returning south, the west coast route passes the Hokianga Harbour and the small towns of Ōpononi and Omapere, with huge sand dunes across the water. Further south, Waipoua Forest is home to Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree, and Te Matua Ngahere, a short walk away. The Kai Iwi Lakes near Dargaville are clear freshwater lakes with white-sand beaches.

What tours and experiences are available along this route?

• Bay of Islands cruises, including trips to the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett, island hopping and sailing.
• Dolphin watching in the Bay of Islands.
• Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach tours by four-wheel-drive coach from the Bay of Islands and Kaitāia, driving the beach and stopping to sandboard at Te Paki. This is the best way to experience Ninety Mile Beach, which rental motorhomes are commonly not permitted to drive.
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds tours and cultural performances.
• Kayaking around the Bay of Islands and to Haruru Falls.
• Guided night walks in Waipoua Forest, introducing the kauri and their cultural significance.
• Snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips at Goat Island marine reserve near Leigh.

Where can you stay overnight on this route?

• Holiday parks in Whangārei, Paihia, Kerikeri, Doubtless Bay, Kaitāia, Ōpononi and Dargaville.
• DOC campsites at Tapotupotu Bay and Spirits Bay near Cape Reinga, and elsewhere on the coast, in stunning beachside settings.
• Freedom camping in a certified self-contained vehicle is available at some spots where permitted; check locally and see our freedom camping guide.

Book ahead for the Bay of Islands during the busy summer holidays.

What are the driving conditions like?

The main routes are sealed. State Highway 1 north of Auckland crosses the Brynderwyn Hills with steep, winding sections, and much of Northland is hilly with many bends. The road to Cape Reinga is sealed to the cape. The west coast route through Waipoua Forest is narrow and winding through the trees.

Some side roads in Northland are unsealed, and beach driving, including Ninety Mile Beach, is commonly excluded from rental agreements. See our guide to roads to check in your rental terms.

Where are fuel, supermarkets and dump stations?

Whangārei, Kerikeri, Paihia, Kaitāia and Dargaville have supermarkets and fuel. Services north of Kaitāia are very limited, so fill up there before heading to the cape. See our dump stations and water guide.

How long should you spend on this route?

• Day 1: Auckland to Paihia, around 230 km, via Whangārei.
• Day 2: Bay of Islands: Waitangi, a cruise and Russell.
• Day 3: Cape Reinga by coach tour, or drive to Doubtless Bay, around 80 km.
• Day 4: Drive to Cape Reinga and back to Kaitāia, or head west to the Hokianga.
• Day 5: Waipoua Forest and the Kai Iwi Lakes.
• Day 6: Dargaville back to Auckland, around 180 km.

Can you drive an RV to Cape Reinga?

Yes. State Highway 1 is sealed all the way to the car park at Cape Reinga, around 210 km north of Paihia, and the walk to the lighthouse starts from there. What you can’t do in most rental vehicles is take the beach route along Ninety Mile Beach.

Which routes connect to this leg?

• Start or finish: Auckland.
• Next, from Auckland: the Coromandel or Waikato and Waitomo.

This leg features in our North Island in 14 days and whole of New Zealand in 4 weeks itineraries.

Start this route from Auckland

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