Itineraries

Auckland at a glance.

Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city and its CBD and surrounding areas give visitors plenty of places for sightseers to go, as well as a huge number of activities to keep everyone busy.

Places of interest include the Sky Tower, Casino, Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), Art Galleries, the Zoo and its surrounds of Western Springs, and many parks and recreational areas. There are several dormant volcanoes in the region, which you can either drive or walk up to get grandstand views of the greater Auckland area. These include Mt Albert, Mt Roskill, Mt Wellington and Mt Eden.One Tree Hill is also a famous icon of Auckland and offers a great view from the top.

Auckland also has some great shops for any retail therapy that needs addressing - from the boutique-type stores in Ponsonby and Parnell, to the factory shops in Onehunga. Large shopping malls such as Silvia Park and Botany Downs are also great shopping spots.

Auckland's Viaduct Basin is a vibrant amalgamation of bars, restaurants and ethnic eateries that is sure to have something that will appeal to everyone.

Be sure to visit the New Zealand National Maritime Museum. Being geographically isolated from the rest of the world, the ocean has had a huge impact on what makes New Zealand the nation it has become. Exhibits and information tells of New Zealand's nautical past, present and future.

Auckland - Kaitaia - Auckland

Day One:

Auckland - Orewa: 36 km, Approximately 0.5 hour

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It’s a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication. At the beginning of your journey, you’ll drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland’s North Shore. The motorway will quickly sweep you northward, until the suburban scenery gives way to peaceful farmland. Before you reach Orewa, you have the option of taking an exit that leads to Silverdale and Gulf Harbour. Silverdale is famous for its factory and outlet stores. Gulf Harbour, at the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, has a breathtaking golf course. Beautiful beaches can be found up and down the peninsula.The town of Orewa spreads along the edge of a large, white sand surf beach. You can explore bush trails at the northern end of the town, visit the friendly shopping centre or dive into the waves for a refreshing swim.

Orewa - Warkworth: 27 km, Approximately 0.5 hour

The town of Orewa spreads along the edge of a large, white sand surf beach. You can explore bush trails at the northern end of the town, visit the friendly shopping centre or dive into the waves for a refreshing swim. Driving north, you’ll pass Hatfield’s Beach before coming across Waiwera, which means ‘hot water’ in Maori. The hot springs are the main attraction in this small, seaside village. The next place of interest is Puhoi, a town originally settled in 1863 by immigrants from Bohemia. Cheese is the local claim to fame – buy some for your next picnic. Enjoy native forest and farmland scenery all the way to Warkworth, a pretty town located on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it’s easy to explore the many attractions of the district – surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands.

Warkworth - Whangarei: 99 km, Approximately 1.25 hours

Warkworth is a pretty town on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it's easy to explore the attractions of the district - surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands. A drive through the Dome Forest will lead you into the rural service town of Wellsford. From here you can take a side trip to Pakiri - a great beach for surfing and horse treks. Kaiwaka is the next town on the map - pause here if you like Dutch cheese. At this point consider an eastern detour past the spectacular beaches of Mangawhai Heads, Langs Beach and Waipu Cove.Just before Whangarei a right turn will take you to the Marsden Point oil refinery. The visitors' centre has an interesting display that explains the refining process. Whangarei is a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you'll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit Whangarei Falls.

Day Two:

Whangarei - Paihia: 71 km, Approximately 1 hour

Whangarei is a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you’ll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit Whangarei Falls. A series of small settlements will lead you north. Just before Kawakawa, a side road runs to the glow-worm cave at Waiomio. Take a rest stop in Kawakawa, because it has a remarkable public toilet designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser.From here the road to the Bay of Islands becomes quite twisty, but you’ll enjoy some delightful scenery along the way. A short detour takes you to the port of Opua, where cruise ships often call. The resort town of Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Catch a cruise to the outer islands or a ferry to the charming township of Russell. The historic Treaty House at Waitangi marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation.

Day Three:

Paihia - Kerikeri: 23 km, Approximately 0.5 hour

Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Catch a cruise to the outer islands or a ferry to the charming township of Russell. The historic Treaty House at Waitangi marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation. Just beyond Paihia you’ll have to chance to visit Haruru Falls. These falls tumble down in a perfect horseshoe. A walking track runs from the falls all the way to Waitangi and includes a board walk through mangrove forest. The road leading into Kerikeri is bordered by orchards. Roadside stalls offer the chance to buy seasonal fruit. Look also for signs showing the way to artists’ studios – resident potters and painters have given this district a creative personality. Kerikeri is a town of things to do. You’ll find galleries, cafes and vineyards, gourmet food shops, several golf courses and historic sites such as the Stone Store and the Mission House. There are superb bush walks in the area – Rainbow Falls is a perfect picnic spot.

Kerikeri - Kaitaia: 99 km, Approximately 1.25 hours

Kerikeri is a town of things to do. You'll find galleries, cafes and vineyards, gourmet food shops, golf courses and historic sites such as the Stone Store and the Mission House. There are superb bush walks in the area - Rainbow Falls is a perfect picnic spot. Scenic side trips on the road to Kaitaia include Matauri Bay (the resting place of the Rainbow Warrior) and Tauranga Bay. Nearby Whangaroa Harbour is a game fishing mecca. Further north, the beautiful beaches of Doubtless Bay will tempt you with white sand and crystal clear water. Sailing, sea kayaking, horse treks and golf are some of the other activities available in this district. If you have time, make the trip to the Cape Reinga lighthouse - then you can say you've been to the very top of New Zealand. Kaitaia is the main centre for the 'subtropical' north. From here you can catch a bus trip along Ninety Mile Beach. Other local attractions include the Far North Regional Museum and the nocturnal park.

Day Four:

Kaitaia - Dargaville: 211 km, Approximately 2.75 hours

From Kaitaia you can catch a tour to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Find time to investigate the Far North Regional Museum and the local nocturnal park. The backcountry route to Dargaville takes you past the Herekino Forest, where you can stretch your legs on the Kaitaia Walkway. In Kohukohu you'll find some charming historic buildings. A vehicular ferry will carry you over the harbour to Rawene, a great stop for coffee and crafts. Further on is Opononi, where you can arrange to go sand dune surfing. Your next adventure is the awesome Waipoua Forest, home of New Zealand's largest kauri trees. The Trounson Kauri Park is another opportunity for tree gazing. Not far from Dargaville are the Kai Iwi lakes. These beautiful sand dune lakes are popular for camping, swimming, fishing and kayaking. Dargaville is a perfect base for exploring the Kaipara Harbour, which offers fishing, quad biking, schooner trips and bird watching. The west coast beaches in this area form part of the longest driveable beach in New Zealand.

Day Five:

Dargaville - Auckland: 185 km, Approximately 2.25 hours

Dargaville is a perfect base for exploring the Kaipara Harbour, which offers fishing, quad biking, schooner trips and bird watching. The west coast beaches in this area form part of the longest driveable beach in New Zealand. Travel across the river plain to Matakohe’s kauri museum, where you’ll discover the district’s fascinating history. In the village of Maungaturoto you can explore antique and craft shops. At Brynderwyn you’ll turn towards Kaiwaka, a village known for its Dutch cheese. Further south is Wellsford, where you’ll take a right towards Helensville. The hilly rural road provides amazing views of the Kaipara Harbour and surrounding farmland. There are hot springs at Parakai if you have time to spare. At Kumeu you’ll turn towards Waitakere, where you’ll embark on a beatiful scenic drive through the Waitakere Ranges. Auckland will reveal itself as you drive down from Titirangi village. With two huge harbours, this city is an ideal base for marine adventures. Other attractions include wine trails, forest walks and highly acclaimed restaurant zones.

Auckland - Taupo - Auckland

Day One:

Auckland - Hamilton: 127 km, Approximately 1.5 hours

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It’s a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication. As you cruise down the southern motorway, suburban scenery gradually gives way to the farmland of South Auckland, an area favoured by bloodstock breeders. You’ll enjoy motorway speeds all the way to Bombay, a major market gardening area. The Waikato River will accompany you for much of your journey through the green countryside. Places of interest along the way include the wine growing area of Te Kauwhata and the coal mining town of Huntly. Before you get to Hamilton, you’ll notice side roads leading to Waingaro Hot Springs and Raglan, a surf resort on the west coast. The city of Hamilton is carved in two by the mighty Waikato River. Attractions include gardens, riverboat cruising and a giant free flight aviary. Excellent restaurants and cafes can be found at the southern end of the city’s main street.

Hamilton - Cambridge: 23 km, Approximately 0.25 hour

The mighty Waikato River brings a unique beauty to Hamilton city. As well as river boat cruising, local attractions include gardens, museums and a giant free flight aviary. At the southern end of the city’s main street you’ll discover a wide variety of excellent restaurants and cafes. The short trip south takes you through prime Waikato farmland. As you near Cambridge you’ll notice fewer cows and more horses. Cambridge township is located in the heart of the Waikato's affluent horse breeding district. It has a relaxed country atmosphere, lovely tree lined streets and many well preserved heritage buildings. While in Cambridge you can shop for antiques and art, attend a horse show, graze the local restaurants, embark on an eco-adventure or simply enjoy the splendid parks and gardens.

Cambridge - Rotorua: 87 km, Approximately 1.25 hours

Cambridge township is located in the heart of the Waikato's affluent horse breeding district. It has a relaxed country atmosphere, lovely tree lined streets and many well preserved heritage buildings. You can shop for antiques and art, attend a horse show, graze the local restaurants or embark on an eco-adventure. On your way to Rotorua you’ll come across the town of Tirau, known for its antique shops and animal-shaped corrugated iron buildings. Enjoy plantation pine forest and a refreshing patch of native bush, Fitzgerald Glade, before you encounter the unusual terrain of the Mamaku district. Mini volcanic cones dot the landscape, some showing their solidified lava core. The last part of your journey takes you past the gondola and luge rides of Mt Ngongataha. Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city’s past and present. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people. Rotorua is entertaining in any weather, at any time of the year.

Day Two:

Rotorua - Taupo: 81 km, Approximately 1 hour

Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city’s past and present. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people. Rotorua is entertaining in any weather, at any time of the year. The road to Taupo will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. You’ll also drive through large tracts of plantation pine forest. Take a side road to a geothermal park, where you’ll discover geysers, silica terraces and craters of boiling mud. Towards the end of your journey you’ll encounter the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. Other diversions include Huka Falls and a world-acclaimed golf course. The resort town of Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake, which is well stocked with sizeable trout. You’ll find everything a traveller could wish for, including an excellent choice of restaurants. Most accommodation establishments make good use of the underground thermal activity to provide hot spas for relaxation.

Day Three:

Taupo - Waitomo Caves: 163 km, Approximately 2 hours

The resort town of Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake, which is well stocked with sizeable trout. You’ll find everything a traveller could wish for, including an excellent choice of restaurants. Most accommodation establishments make good use of the underground thermal activity to provide hot spas for relaxation. The cross-country route to Waitomo Caves takes you past Huka Falls, a world-acclaimed golf course and the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. After the hydro power station at Atiamuri, you’ll turn west and journey through mixture of farmland, lakeland and forest. Trout fanciers can try their luck at Lake Whakamaru. The beautiful Pureora Forest Park, which is home to several rare bird species, has a number of well marked walking tracks. The Waitomo Caves district is famous for its subterranean splendour. Beneath the surface of this limestone region is a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Some caves open to the public, and are easy to walk through, others require specialised caving equipment.

Day Four:

Waitomo Caves - Hamilton: 71 km, Approximately 1 hour

The Waitomo Caves region is famous for its subterranean splendour. Beneath the surface of this ancient limestone region is a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Some caves open to the public, and are easy to walk through, others require specialised caving equipment. The trip to Hamilton takes you through prime Waikato farmland. The kiwi house in Otorohanga is a chance to meet New Zealand’s national symbol. A detour towards the west coast will take you to Kawhia, where hot water bubbles up through the sand - you can dig a pool between low and mid tide. In summer, you can pause in the town of Te Awamutu to admire the roses. The mighty Waikato River brings a unique beauty to Hamilton city. As well as river boat cruising, local attractions include gardens, museums and a giant free flight aviary. At the southern end of the city’s main street you’ll discover a wide variety of excellent restaurants and cafes.

Hamilton - Auckland: 127 km, Approximately 1.5 hours

The city of Hamilton is carved in two by the mighty Waikato River. Attractions include gardens, riverboat cruising and a giant free flight aviary. Excellent restaurants and cafes can be found at the southern end of the main street. The Waikato River will accompany you for much of your journey north. You’ll see side roads leading to Waingaro Hot Springs and Raglan, a surf resort on the west coast. Other places of interest along the way include the coal town of Huntly and the wine growing district of Te Kauwhata. You know you’re getting close to Auckland when you reach the motorway at the base of the Bombay Hills. The scenery will change gradually from market gardens to bloodstock farms to suburbia. As you approach Auckland, you can’t miss the extinct volcanic cones that dot the landscape – there are 48 in all. The city also has two huge harbours, so it’s an ideal base for marine adventures. Other attractions include wine trails, forest walks and the culinary temptations of the city’s restaurant zones.