6 incredible road trips you should do in New Zealand

14.10.2023 - 06:49 / lonelyplanet.com

New Zealand is one of those destinations best explored by car or campervan. Public transport is limited outside cities, and so much of what you'll want to see and do is off-the-beaten-track, immersed in New Zealand's incredible natural environments. Road tripping means touring at your own pace, stopping for stunning walks, cycle rides, wild swimming or wildlife spotting.

Best road trip in "the Winterless North"
Auckland–Auckland (roundtrip); 650 miles (1050km); a week or more

Kiwis call the regions north of Auckland (Northland & the Bay of Islands) the "Winterless North" because of its year-round subtropical climate. First, to the Bay of Islands, via the surf beaches of Mangawhai and the artsy city of Whangārei, which requires a good day or two of exploring. 

Next, drive north and ferry over to the former whaling port of Russell, which matches heritage charm with on-water adventures like sailing, diving, fishing and kayaking. All of these are also accessed from the thriving mainland town of Paihia – where you’ll also want to spend a day at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds learning about the colonial history of New Zealand. 

Further north, the attractions are more remote and even more spectacular, leading all the way to the very top of the North Island at spiritual Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. On your way, stop at foodie Kerikeri; chill out in laidback Mangōnui (which will please seafood lovers); and spend another day at Ahipara, with its surf breaks and nearby sand dunes. 

Heading south again, you’ll drive through the incredible Waipoua Forest, where the last giants of the once extensive kauri forests here will take your breath away, stopping at quiet coastal towns peppered with stories of colonization, migration and hard labor.

Best beach-coming road trip
Thames–Waihi Beach; 190 miles (305km); 1-3 days

Coastal roads weave a magical path on this journey around the compact but colorful Coromandel Peninsula, a favorite holiday spot for residents of nearby Auckland and Hamilton. As well as a gorgeous beach-fringed coastline, the Coromandel also holds the legacy of its gold-mining past in the heritage streets of Thames, Coromandel Town and Waihi. 

Start in Thames, then head north to the thriving community of Coromandel Town via the beautiful 64-acre estate Rapaura Water Gardens. Next, detour from Colvile to the rugged northernmost tip of the Coromandel Peninsula – ideally in summer (December to February) when roads are dry, and the pōhutukawa trees are in their crimson glory.

Heading back down the other side of the peninsula, you’ll visit Whitianga and the nearby beaches of Mercury Bay. Diving, boating, game fishing and kayaking are the big draws at Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine