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North Island Circuit
10 DAYS Route Highlights

Coromandel beaches
Best time of year
All year
Auckland Central
2029 KM to Geothermal Rotorua
1261 MI Auckland Central Capital Wellington
This round trip will satisfy your desire to see the best of the North Island. The
marine and urban entertainment areas of Auckland lead on to the simple,
seaside pleasures of the Coromandel Peninsula.
After a taste of Tauranga’s sunny lifestyle, you’ll be fascinated by the steaming

fumeroles and roaring geysers of Rotorua. Gisborne and Napier are all about
vineyards, surf beaches and Art Deco architecture, while Wellington is a cultural
experience that mixes New Zealand heritage with contemporary creativity.
Explore the mysteries of the Whanganui River before you browse the gardens
and galleries of New Plymouth. The magical underworld of Waitomo demands
your attention on the way back to Auckland.
DAY 1
Auckland - Thames - Coromandel

Town - Whitianga
2 HRS 57 MINS 214 KM 133 MI
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.
There are two routes to Thames. The fast way whisks you
along the motorway and over the Bombay Hills, then across Driving time and distance: 214km, 2hrs 57mins
the serene, green Hauraki Plains to Waitakaruru. The slower,

scenic route winds through farmland to the village of
Clevedon before leading you around the edge of the Firth of
Thames. Kawakawa Bay, Orere Point and Kaiaua are
beachside settlements to visit.
Both routes make it possible to visit Miranda’s hot springs and

bird sanctuary. The historic township of Thames was founded
during the Coromandel gold rush. Visit the museum and
discover an interesting range of shops.
http://www.newzealand.com/int/trips-and-driving-itineraries/north-island/auckland-wellington-auckland/ 19/07/2017
In Thames you can learn about New Zealand’s gold mining

past. The mining museum has a fascinating mineralogical
collection and there are gold mining relics to discover on
many of the bush walks.
The road to Coromandel Town clings to the edge of the coast.

You’ll enjoy amazing views and a constant procession of
beautiful beaches fringed with Pohutukawa trees.
Formerly a gold-mining and timber town, Coromandel Town is

now a haven for artists, craftspeople and conservationists. It
has many well-preserved Victorian buildings and an
interesting museum. There are several good walks in the area
and a railway enthusiast has created an hour-long train trip at
Driving Creek.
On your drive to Whitianga you’ll notice a side road leading to

Whangapoua Beach – a worthwhile detour if you have time.
You could also call into Matarangi, a recently developed
beach settlement. Kuaotunu is another area of pretty
beaches.
The beach town of Whitianga is home to a fishing fleet -

expect to eat some excellent seafood while you’re here. Best
things to do include surfing, surf casting and beach walks.
Catch the ferry to the south side of the harbour – a short taxi
ride will take you to Cooks Beach.
Start in Auckland Central

This is the heart of Auckland, with a
relaxed coastal living vibe by day and a
night-time energy shared by the inner-
city suburbs that surrounds it.
End in Whitianga
From Whitianga you can enjoy the
beaches, water sports and boat
excursions of Mercury Bay. Expect
great seafood and enjoy a forest walk or
two.
Things to see and do
Attractions in
The
Coromandel
DAY 2
Whitianga - Whangamata - Tauranga

After exploring Whitianga, the road south
gives you the opportunity to visit Hot Water
Beach, where geothermally heated water
bubbles up through the sand. At low tide
you can dig your own spa. Another
highlight of this journey is the walk to
spectacular Cathedral Cove, which begins at Hahei.
Whangamata is one of the country’s most attractive surf

towns. Enjoy the beach, cafes and bush walks. Dive and Driving time and distance: 166km, 2hrs 24mins
fishing tours are easily arranged. You can also hire bikes,
windsurfers and kayaks. Several charter companies run day
trips to Mayor Island, which is actually the summit of a
volcano rising from the sea floor.
The journey to Tauranga will take you past historic Waihi, a

gold mining town. You’ll enjoy the fresh green scenery of the
Athenree Gorge before you come across the town of Katikati,
known for its murals.
The prosperous city of Tauranga sprawls along the edge of

an attractive harbour. There’s a well developed café culture
and boat charters are available to take you big game fishing,
snorkelling or dolphin watching. Nearby Mt Maunganui is a
destination for surfing and beach walking.
Start in Whitianga
From Whitianga you can enjoy the
beaches, water sports and boat
excursions of Mercury Bay. Expect
great seafood and enjoy a forest walk or
two.
End in Tauranga
The sunny city of Tauranga will tempt
you with marine adventures. Go sailing,
fishing or dolphin watching and soak up
the stunning coastal environment.
Cathedral Cove Hot Water

Marine Reserve Beach
DAY 3
Tauranga - Rotorua
1 HR 2 MINS 62 KM 38 MI
From Tauranga, it’s an easy drive to Te
Puke, a town that has turned its kiwifruit
industry into visitor entertainment.
Paengaroa is the next attraction – shop
here for honey products. Then the road
climbs up and over the Mamaku Range
before descending towards Lake Rotorua, which is actually a
large crater filled with water. At Okere Falls Scenic Reserve
you can walk to see the hydroelectric power station.
Driving time and distance: 62km, 1hr 2mins
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.
Start in Tauranga
The sunny city of Tauranga will tempt
you with marine adventures. Go sailing,
fishing or dolphin watching and soak up
the stunning coastal environment.
End in Rotorua Central

Entertaining in any weather, Rotorua
will captivate you with its shooting
geysers, intriguing Maori villages and
thrilling adventure activities.
Lake Rotorua Te Puia
DAY 4
Rotorua - Whakatane - Opotiki -

Gisborne
From Rotorua, the drive to Whakatane has
many interesting features. First up is the
wilderness of beautiful Lake Rotoiti, a trout
fisherman’s paradise. Lake Rotoehu is
next, followed by Lake Rotoma - home to a
hybrid ‘Tiger’ trout.
Whakatane is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Just

offshore is White Island, a spectacular active volcano that can Driving time and distance: 271km, 3hrs 35mins
be visited by launch or helicopter. Other Whakatane

attractions include the museum, an observatory and Maori
historical sites. In summer, dolphin swimming is the thing to
do.
The short trip to Opotiki takes you past Ohope, a friendly

coastal town with 11 kms of uninterrupted beach for
swimming, walking, surfing and fishing. You’ll drive through
gently rolling hill country – the foothills of the Urewera
Ranges. Small settlements appear regularly. Local Maori
culture is strong in this region, so look for carved meeting
houses and unique churches.
Opotiki is an ideal base for explorations of Eastland. It has a

good range of accommodation and shops. Eco-tourism
activities make excellent use of the beautiful coastal and
forest environment - horse trekking, kayaking, river rafting
and dolphin swimming are some of the entertainment options.
There’s a lot to see and do as you drive around the edge of

East Cape. At Tikitiki you’ll see an amazing church. Further
south is Waipiro Bay, which has three historical marae. Te
Puia Springs is a place for a hot soak in mineral water. Then
at Tolaga Bay you can walk along the historic 660 metre
wharf.
Gisborne is a sunny city with a reputation for good wine and

fantastic surf beaches. There are more than 20 vineyards in
the area – the emphasis is on Chardonnay. Kaiti Beach was
the first European landing place in New Zealand.
Start in Rotorua Central

Entertaining in any weather, Rotorua
will captivate you with its shooting
geysers, intriguing Maori villages and
thrilling adventure activities.
End in Gisborne
If you have a strong interest in Maori
culture - and you love food, wine and
surf beaches - Gisborne is a city you
won't want to miss.
White Island Tikitiki Food & Wine

(Whakaari)
DAY 5
Gisborne - Napier
From Gisborne, there are two ways to
approach the trip to Napier. The inland
route gives you the chance to visit
Hackfalls Arboratum, one of the largest

private collections of trees in New Zealand.
The coastal route provides access to
Morere Hot Springs and the fabulous beaches of the Mahia
Peninsula. Both roads bring you to the town of Wairoa,
memorable for the lighthouse in its main street. As you near Driving time and distance: 215km, 2hrs 42mins
Napier, Waipatiki Beach and pretty Lake Tutira are attractive
diversions.
In 1931 a devastating earthquake nearly levelled the city of

Napier. It was rebuilt in the style of the times, and is now
considered the Art Deco Capital of the world. The vineyards
of Hawke’s Bay are all within easy reach of Napier. Another
attraction is the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.
Start in Gisborne
If you have a strong interest in Maori
culture - and you love food, wine and
surf beaches - Gisborne is a city you
won't want to miss.
End in Napier
Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture
is Napier's special point of difference.
Food & Wine Cape

Kidnappers
DAY 6
Napier - Hastings - Masterton -

Wellington
Head south down The Classic New
Zealand Wine Trail on State Highway 2.
The city of Napier has a twin sister right

next door. Hastings is only 20 kilometres to
the south. Like Napier, it was devastated by
the 1931 earthquake, so has plenty of Art
Deco and Spanish Mission-style architecture to see. Fabulous
parks and delicious ice cream are two other reasons to visit Driving time and distance: 335km, 4hrs 35mins
Hastings. In the apple and pear season, there’s no better

place to be – Hastings is New Zealand’s leading pipfruit
region.
On your way south you’ll drive through Waipukurau and

Waipawa - both have historic buildings to view. In
Dannevirke, a town originally settled by Scandinavians, you

can inspect locally made knitwear. Woodville is a place for
antique browsing. The Tararua Windfarm is not far from here
(it makes electricity out of thin air) – to see it, follow the road
to Ballance.
Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre is an essential

stop to see the world's only white kiwi bird in captivity plus lots
of native New Zealand wildlife.
In Masterton you will find the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park,

The Wool Shed — the National Museum of Sheep and
Shearing and Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art & History.
Masterton is also a great base to explore nearby Castlepoint,
Wairarapa’s most spectacular beach.
Stop in Carterton at Paua World for your kiwi souvenirs.
Greytown, a Victorian country village has a mix of boutique

shops, art galleries, antique stores, cafes and restaurants
making it a distinctive New Zealand shopping destination.
Schoc Chocolates is a must for any chocolate lover.
Head through Greytown and turn left towards Martinborough,

packed with colonial charm and features over 20 wineries,
most within cycling and walking distance of the village square
which is laid out in a Union Jack pattern. Some of New
Zealand’s best pinot noir comes from the town’s
predominately family-owned vineyards, so it’s not surprising it
is a popular destination for those who enjoy premium wines,
vineyard cafes, boutique stores, quality accommodation, olive
groves and restaurants. Guided wine tours and self-guided
cycling tours are available.
Drive over the Rimutaka Range—great views in every

direction. Then you'll wind through the picturesque Hutt Valley
then a fast moving motorway will whisk you into the city.
Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled
between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal
for explorations on foot. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums
and all kinds of shops. Dance, theatre and musical
performances are a Wellington specialty.
Start in Napier
Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture
is Napier's special point of difference.
End in Wellington Central

Whether you want to dabble in history
or indulge at divine restaurants,
Wellington is a capital city with a great
deal of style. Enjoy!
Pukaha Mount
Bruce
DAY 7
Wellington - Wanganui
The Kapiti Coast route to Wanganui has a
lot going for it. Offshore from Waikanae is
Kapiti Island, a nature reserve for close
encounters with rare birds. A car museum
and gourmet cheese factory are other local
attractions. Further north is Levin, which
has a thriving clothing industry and many factory shops. Two
beautiful dune lakes are an easy detour from here. In Foxton
you can spy on wading birds in the estuary. The town of Bulls
Driving time and distance: 195km, 2hrs 27mins
is known for its antique shops.
The picturesque river city of Wanganui has a long history.

Take time to explore the restored heritage areas, then check
out the various options for an expedition on the river. You can
also take the tunnel and elevator to the top of Durie Hill.
Start in Wellington Central

Whether you want to dabble in history
or indulge at divine restaurants,
Wellington is a capital city with a great
deal of style. Enjoy!
End in Whanganui Central

The city of Whanganui sits at the
Tasman Sea end of the wild and
wonderful Whanganui River. Discover
heritage buildings, a paddle steamer
and much more.
Kapiti Island
High summer is the only time you'll catch Mount Taranaki without its snow cap.
DAY 8
Wanganui - New Plymouth

As the road heads west from Whanganui,
interesting townships pop up regularly.
Keep an eye out for small museums and
quirky art shops. The rural centre of
Hawera is home to New Zealand’s largest
milk factory and an interactive dairy farming
attraction.
At Hawera it’s time to make a choice. You can follow the ‘Surf
Highway’ around Cape Egmont and have a beach view all the Driving time and distance: 160km, 2hrs 7mins
way. Or you can take the inland route via Stratford and enjoy
the green serenity of farmland. Either way, the dramatic
volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki will dominate the landscape for
much of your journey. The forested lower slopes of the
mountain are laced with walking tracks.
The city of New Plymouth is known for its beautiful parks and
gardens. It also has a strong arts focus, so check out the
current exhibitions.
Start in Whanganui Central

The city of Whanganui sits at the
Tasman Sea end of the wild and
wonderful Whanganui River. Discover
heritage buildings, a paddle steamer
and much more.
End in New Plymouth

In the rhododendron season, New
Plymouth's parks and gardens are
beautiful to behold. Alternatively, pull on
your hiking boots and explore Mount
Taranaki.
Surfing Galleries
Leaving daylight behind, you will enter a different world when you enter the Waitomo Caves.
DAY 9
New Plymouth - Waitomo Caves

Today's journey begins with a procession of

seaside villages. Whitecliffs Walkway is
signposted – a fabulous hike if you have
time. At Mokau or Awakino you can enjoy
the wild beauty of the Tasman Sea before
you drive eastward through a mixture of farmland, forest and
rugged mountain country. Gateway to the Waitomo Caves is
the rural town of Te Kuiti, which hosts NZ sheep shearing Driving time and distance: 180km, 2hrs 8mins
championships each year.
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.
Start in New Plymouth

In the rhododendron season, New
Plymouth's parks and gardens are
beautiful to behold. Alternatively, pull on
your hiking boots and explore Mount
Taranaki.
End in Waitomo Caves

Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a
labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and
underground rivers. The area's name
comes from the Maori words wai (water)
and tomo (hole).
Waitomo
Glowworm
Caves
Explore the rolling hills and hobbit holes of magical Hobbiton.
DAY 10
Waitomo Caves - Hamilton -

Auckland
From the Waitomo Caves, the trip to
Hamilton takes you through prime Waikato
farmland. A detour to Matamata takes you
to Hobbiton Movie Set, which appears
exactly as it did in The Hobbit and The Lord
of the Rings Trilogies.
The mighty Waikato River brings a unique beauty to Hamilton

city. Local attractions include gardens, museums and a giant Driving time and distance: 199km, 2hrs 29mins
aviary at the zoo. At the southern end of the city’s main street
you’ll discover a wide variety of excellent restaurants and
cafes.
The Waikato River will accompany you for much of your

journey north. 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.
Start in Waitomo Caves

Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a
labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and
underground rivers. The area's name
comes from the Maori words wai (water)
and tomo (hole).
End in Auckland Central

This is the heart of Auckland, with a
relaxed coastal living vibe by day and a
night-time energy shared by the inner-
city suburbs that surrounds it.
Hobbiton Movie
Set Tours

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Auckland - Wellington - Auckland Page 1 of 11

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Home › Recommended Trips › North Island trips › North Island Circuit

North Island Circuit

10 DAYS Route Highlights

After a taste of Tauranga’s sunny lifestyle, you’ll be fascinated by the steaming

Auckland - Thames - Coromandel

the serene, green Hauraki Plains to Waitakaruru. The slower,

Both routes make it possible to visit Miranda’s hot springs and

In Thames you can learn about New Zealand’s gold mining

The road to Coromandel Town clings to the edge of the coast.

Formerly a gold-mining and timber town, Coromandel Town is

On your drive to Whitianga you’ll notice a side road leading to

The beach town of Whitianga is home to a fishing fleet -

Start in Auckland Central

Things to see and do

Whitianga - Whangamata - Tauranga

Whangamata is one of the country’s most attractive surf

The journey to Tauranga will take you past historic Waihi, a

The prosperous city of Tauranga sprawls along the edge of

Things to see and do

Cathedral Cove Hot Water

End in Rotorua Central

Things to see and do

Lake Rotorua Te Puia

Rotorua - Whakatane - Opotiki -

Whakatane is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Just

be visited by launch or helicopter. Other Whakatane

The short trip to Opotiki takes you past Ohope, a friendly

Opotiki is an ideal base for explorations of Eastland. It has a

There’s a lot to see and do as you drive around the edge of

Gisborne is a sunny city with a reputation for good wine and

Start in Rotorua Central

Things to see and do

White Island Tikitiki Food & Wine

Hackfalls Arboratum, one of the largest

In 1931 a devastating earthquake nearly levelled the city of

Things to see and do

Food & Wine Cape

Napier - Hastings - Masterton -

The city of Napier has a twin sister right

Hastings. In the apple and pear season, there’s no better

On your way south you’ll drive through Waipukurau and

Dannevirke, a town originally settled by Scandinavians, you

Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre is an essential

In Masterton you will find the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park,

Stop in Carterton at Paua World for your kiwi souvenirs.

Greytown, a Victorian country village has a mix of boutique

Head through Greytown and turn left towards Martinborough,

Drive over the Rimutaka Range—great views in every

End in Wellington Central

Things to see and do

The picturesque river city of Wanganui has a long history.

Start in Wellington Central

End in Whanganui Central

Things to see and do

Wanganui - New Plymouth

Start in Whanganui Central

End in New Plymouth

Things to see and do

New Plymouth - Waitomo Caves

Today's journey begins with a procession of

The Waitomo Caves region is famous for its subterranean