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The North Island Auckland to Wellington Tour

Estimated Travel Period: 7 Days, about 15 hours 55 mins
Estimated Travel Distance: 1,158 kms

Best Time To Travel

You'll want to do this tour anytime from mid-Spring to mid-Autumn (October to April). Traveling in Summer? Pre-book your motorhome hire if you want to visit between December to February. Book a motorhome now!

Journey through the North Island from top to end (or vice versa) with pit stops at its magnificent beaches, national parks and mountains.


The North Island Itinerary suits all motorhome sizes. MyDriveHoliday has the best Campervans For Hire from top Auckland operators. To start your tour from Wellington, simply follow the itinerary in reverse. Search for Motorhomes In Wellington.


Day 1 Auckland to Coromandel

Estimated Travel Period: about 2 hours 15 mins
Estimated Travel Distance:168 kms

The Coromandel Town is accesible either by ferry from Auckland or by car via Pacific Coast Highway/State Highway 25 from Thames. A great base if you're traveling with a campervan/motorhome is Long Bay Motor Camp, it is adjacent to the famous Long Bay Beach located approximately 3km from the township.You can go fishing, swimming, kayaking or follow the Kauri Walking Track that takes about 40 minutes. Looking for a different activity? head over to Driving Creek Railways and take a train ride through the kauri forest as it takes you up to the Eyefull Tower.

Day 2 Coromandel to Whitianga

Estimated Travel Period: about 41 mins
Estimated Travel Distance:42.3 kms

Whitianga is home to great beaches and water-based activities. What a better way to start your day than visiting the famous Cathedral Cove. You can kayak, join a boat tour or access the cove by foot. If it's low tide, you can head over at Hot Water Beach to dig your own hot pool. However, a trip to Hot Water Beach can get a bit crowded, so make sure to plan ahead. Proper precaution is needed since the beach has a very strong current (see travel tips below). Can't get enough of Whitianga's lovely beaches? the white sands at Hahei Beach is another popular spot for swimming.

Travel Tip

Planning a visit to Hot Water Beach? The article from mercurbay.co.nz has some helpful tips for first-timers.

Day 3 Whitianga to Taupo

Estimated Travel Period: about 3 hours 36 mins
Estimated Travel Distance:287 kms

Explore the great Lake Taupo starting with a trip to Maori Rock Carvings. The best way to view the carvings is to take a boat cruise to this 10 metre high rock work-of-art or do a kayaking tour to view the carvings up close. You can swim in the crystal water before heading back to town. Then make your way to Wairakei Tourist Park and follow the Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk. To get a glimpse of the famous Huka Falls, take the walking track that starts from Spa Thermal Park. Finally, end you day at Taupo DeBretts Thermal Pools. Take a dip at the mineral pool and enjoy a good massage.

Day 4 Taupo to New Plymouth

Estimated Travel Period: about 3 hours 45 mins
Estimated Travel Distance:283 kms

Upon arrival you can head over to Puke Ariki, a well known landmark in New Plymouth featuring the city's library, museum and visitor information centre. Next, visit Pukekura Park located in the heart of New Plymouth or take a stroll along the 10 km long New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.

Recommended Holiday Parks

Day 5 New Plymouth

Estimated Travel Period: 55 minutes
Estimated Travel Distance:55 kms

Visit the nearby Egmont National Park. Trek up to the stunning Dawson Falls or tramp through the forest on the Pouakai Circuit. If you still have time,  take a detour and follow State Highway 45 going south to Cape Egmont Lighthouse.

Day 6 New Plymouth to Palmerston North

Estimated Travel Period: about 3 hours 5 mins
Estimated Travel Distance:212 kms

See over 5,000 rose varieties in the Victoria Esplanade Gardens or witness the beautiful cherry blossom trees in spring. Traveling families can head over to The Owlcatraz, a wildlife park located southwest of Palmerston North. Then spend the rest of your day waking  around the city and visiting local shops or  tackle one of the many walking tracks in the Manawatu-Wanganui area.

Travel Tip

Make sure you have plenty of water, as
well as a hat and a GPS when going on a walking trail. Get tips on
What
To Bring On Your New Zealand Holiday
.

Recommended Holiday Parks

Day 7 Palmerston North to Wellington

Estimated Travel Period: about 2 hours
Estimated Travel Distance:142 kms

Start your day with a historic ride via the Wellington Cable Car that will take you up to the Botanic Garden. Don't forget to miss the Cable Car Museum adjacent to the Kelburn Terminus. If you want some karori sanctuary experience, from the Cable Car Museum take the shuttle to Zealandia for some wildlife adventure. Then proceed to Mount Victoria Lookout for the best view of the city and Cook Straight. Join the fun and wander along Wellington Waterfront at night. Watch a show in Circa, learn about New Zealand's history in Te Papa Museum or simply stroll along the area with artistic sculptures and Wellington Writers Walk.

Recommended Holiday Parks

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