North Island 9 days (Auckland - Auckland)
Day 1: Auckland – Whangarei (travel 125 km)
Suggested campsite: Uretiti Beach Campsite
Head north from Auckland to the pretty township of Matakana, where you’ll find wineries, galleries and boutique shopping as well as a popular Saturday farmer's market that draws foodies from far and wide. Just out of town is Matakana Oysters- grab a tub of these plump and delicious local specialties, then explore the incredible outdoor artworks at nearby Sculptureum. Omaha Beach is minutes away, with its gentle waves and spectacular beachfront homes, or take a quick detour to Tāwharanui Regional Park – a marine reserve with a campground close to the white sand beach. Continue north via the popular holiday spot of Mangawhai Heads, home to famous chocolatiers Bennets of Mangawhai. Head up the coast to Waipu with its beautiful beach and go glow-worm spotting at Waipu Caves. Then onwards to the Whangārei area where you’ll find a range of camp sites.
Day 2: Whangarei area
Day 3: Whangarei – Bay of Islands (travel 104 km)
Suggested campsite: Waitangi Holiday Park
The Bay of Islands saw many key moments in New Zealand’s early history and there’s lots to explore. Waitangi is just a few minutes outside Paihia, where you can book a tour of the beautiful Waitangi Treaty Grounds, or take a ferry over to historic Russell, which was the first European settlement and is home to New Zealand’s oldest church and its first licensed hotel in the Duke of Marlborough. Head out on the water for dolphin spotting and a cruise to the magnificent Hole in the Rock. From Paihia, hit the road north towards to the historic fishing village of Mangōnui, where you’ll find New Zealand’s most famous fish and chips at Mangōnui Fish Shop, perched right over the water.
Day 4: Bay of Islands area
Day 5: Waitangi - Cape Reinga – 90 miles beach (travel 331 km)
Suggested campsite: Te Wairoa farm camp
Big travel day today! Take the road north to the famous lighthouse at Cape Reinga where you’ll see the crash of foam as the Pacific and Tasman oceans meet, and the sacred Māori site of Te Rerenga Wairua – the headland from which spirits are said to depart. Don’t miss the incredible Te Paki Sand Dunes, a few minutes back down the highway. Like something out of a sci-fi landscape, these immense dunes are great fun for boogie boarding. Head south for lunch in Kaitaia then on to Ahipara, at the bottom of 90 Mile Beach – a great spot for a swim or surf, or to gather tuatua at low tide.
Day 6: 90 miles beach area
Day 7: 90 miles beach – Kai Iwi lakes (travel 211 km)
Suggested campsite: Taharoa Domain Kai Iwi Lakes Camping Ground
Wake up to the white sand lakes surrounded by a pine forest that make up the famous Kai Iwi Lakes – the perfect spot to rest and recharge. You can swim, kayak, fish for trout or explore the walking tracks. From here, head south to Matakohe for a visit to the famous Kauri Museum, which tells the story of the region’s ancient kauri forests and gum digging days. Spend the afternoon exploring the little townships dotted around the ‘arms’ of the Kaipara Harbour as you make your way south.
Day 8: Kai Iwi lakes area
Day 9: Kai Iwi lakes – Auckland (travel 209 km)
