North Island Road Trip Itinerary

After the tinsel was taken down and the Christmas trifle had been eaten, I thought a road trip was in order. A traditional kiwi summer roadie.

I started things in Hamilton and made my way down to Waitomo, before heading along the wild Taranaki coastline towards New Plymouth, before heading along the southern Taranaki coastline to the funky town of Whanganui.

I camped in my little car camper, Soybean, for this roadie and seeing New Zealand from a van or car is one of the best ways to see this country in my humble opinion.

This is a great road trip to explore some of the beautiful North Island and see some of the natural wonder of this place.

Read on to discover more about my North Island Road trip and some tips for you.

Happy Road Tripping!

The Best East and Central North Island Travel Journey

Day One : Waitomo

Home to thousands of beautiful glowworms, Waitomo is a must if you are travelling the North Island.

You can explore caves and watch the ceiling transform into a night sky as thousands of glow worms glow bright. Waitomo township is a small town with a cafe, restaurant and a campground, but you do not need much else when you are surrounded by such natural beauty.

Things to do in Waitomo

Go visit the glowworms of course. You can do this at Waitomo Caves which offers guided tours of their private caves, the Waitomo Glowworms Cave tour even includes a peaceful ride on a boat while you gaze at thousands of glowworms.
If you would rather go check out some free glowworms, head to the Opapaka Pā Walk or Ruakura Walk at dusk. Glow worms can be spotted along the walk. It is best to bring a form of light to navigate, but if you want to see the glow worms do not shine it on them or make loud noise as you walk. They are sensitive to this.
Visit the Marokopa Waterfall. This 35m waterfall is an amazing sight and offers a great spot to take some photos at.
If you are an adventurous spirit, why not try blackwater rafting in the caves or zip-lining at speeds of 80km with Waitomo Caves Zipline.

Where to stay in Waitomo

The Waitomo Top 10 Campsite is a great affordable option. They have a range of different accommodation types from unpowered sites to cabins. They are also right in the middle of the Waitomo Township and across the road is a great cafe.
If you are less about camping, and more about glamping, check out Waitomo Glamping where to you can soak in a bathtub with a view.
For a place with a bit of difference, try out Waitomo Big Bird Bed and Breakfast. This spot has many different animals such as emus and mini horses to meet.

Day 2 : West Coast Taranaki

The west coast in the Taranaki is a wild beautiful landscape with black sand beaches, rough and wild coastlines and gorgeous spots to watch the sunset.

Drive along the coast and stop whenever your heart desires.

Sunrises and sunsets are rather special on the west coast

What to do on the east coast of Taranaki

Go see the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock on the Tongaporutu coastline. This is a cool rock structure, but you will need to time your visit with the tides as you can only visit at low tide. There is a cafe and eatery at this site and freedom camping for self contained campers.
Stop at one of the many beaches along the coastline. There are some beautiful spots, such as Onaero Beach and Urenui Beach.
Go check out Mount Damper Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the North Island.

Where to stay on East Coast Taranaki

There are a number of campsites along the coastline that are beautiful spots to stay at. Onaero Bay Holiday Park is a classic kiwi campsite with rustic facilities and a great location close to the beach.
Waitoetoe Campsite is a free DoC campsite for tents only. You will also have to walk in to the camping area from the carpark and carry your gear.

Day 3 and 4 : New Plymouth

New Plymouth is a beautiful city on the west coast of New Zealand, known for its gorgeous walkway along the coastline, the Te Rewa bridge, the wind wand, and its cool little city centre with the mirrored contemporary art building and educational and free museum.

What to do in the New Plymouth

Walk along the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, which will talk you along the west coast and you can see some beautiful spots along here. You will also see the wind wand
Go check out the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and get that infamous Instagram shot of Maunga Taranaki framed by the bridge. It can get quite busy at this spot at sunset with many photographers vying for space.
Wander around Pukekura Park. This park is huge and hosts the Festival of Lights, a cool light installation that happens every summer.
Visit the museum and learn more about the Taranaki Region’s history.
Have something to eat. A great spot to get a coffee and food is Chaos Cafe, which has chaotic decor and strong Havana coffee, as well as vegan options.
Go and wander at Tūpare Gardens. This is a beautiful and quaint garden, with a unique homestead originally built in the 1930s.

Where to stay in New Plymouth

There are a range of accommodation options depending on what you are looking for and your budget.

If you want to camp, try out the New Plymouth Top Ten Campground. This is right on the coastal walkway, and is a great way to explore this walkway. They have camping sites and cabins.
You can free camp at Lake Rotomanu, but it needs to be in a vehicle. If you are not self-contained, there are four specific carparks you can stay the night in. Look out for them or you will be fined if you park somewhere else. If you are self-contained, you can park anywhere on the lake.
If you want to stay at a historical hotel, check out The Devon, which is affordable and a groovy place to stay.

Day 5 and 6 : Stratford and Maunga Taranaki

One of the best things about the Taranaki region is the gorgeous maunga or mountain in the region. There are many walks in the area that allow you to explore this interesting terrain, walks that range from easy rambles to multiple day treks.

Things to do in Stratford and on Maunga Taranaki

Hike, hike and do some more hiking. There are so are so many cool hikes to explore ranging from easy to difficult. Some of my favorites include the Manganui Gorge Track and the Wilkes Pools.
Go and get lost in the goblin forest, which looks like something from a Grimms Fairy Tale. You can find this at the Kamahi Loop Track
Check out the Dawson Falls, a beautiful 18m waterfall
Drive out to Rotokare Scenic Reserve, a predator free bird sanctuary which is a short 20 minute drive from Stratford. This sanctuary is home to many endangered flora and fauna including brown kiwi and patake.

Where to stay Stratford and Maunga Taranaki

Stratford Holiday Park is a great campground to stay at while visiting Stratford. They have a range of affordable accommodation options including camp sites, units and cabins. They also have a heated pool.

If you are hiking around the maunga, you can stay at a range of DoC huts.

Day 7 and 8: Whanganui

Virginia Lake - A great spot to see birds, like these mute swans

Situated on the beautiful Whanganui River, the town of Whanganui is a funky and lively city with beautiful old architecture in the town centre. This place is a hub for artists due to the cool vibe as well as being one for nature lovers with the parks in the area and the river running through.

Things to do in Whanganui

Go to Lake Virginia and walk around the lake while looking at the many birds that call this place home, including mute swans. They also have a bird aviary and a greenhouse garden to explore.
Check out Whanganui River, either by walking along it or kayaking or canoeing along it. There are a number of local companies that offer kayaking and canoeing services
Wander around the Bason Botanic Gardens, which is a huge garden with a range of different features to check out from conservatories to native trees. They also run events.
Explore the town centre and look at the original 19th century architecture that many of the buildings exhibit.

Where to stay in Whanganui

Camping is available at Whanganui Top 10 Camp. This has a range of accommodation options such as tent sites, powered sites and retro cabins. They also have cool glamping tents. This campground is right on the river so you have great views during your stay.

For an eco-friendly and unique stay, check out Flying Fox. This place is only accessible through cable car and has a range of accommodation types, such as tiny houses, glamping and classic tent sites.

For a glamorous and unique Whanganui stay, check out Iona Tiny House. This place is made from the hull of the historical vessel, Iona.

Day 9 and 10: Tongariro National Park

Tama Lakes - A great walk in Tongariro National Park

New Zealand’s first national park and a beautiful spot to explore in the North Island. There are emerald pools, snow capped maungas or mountains and beech forests. It is a place I would highly recommend spending a few days extra if you have the time on your road trip.

Things to do in Tongariro National Park

Go for a hike. There are many different ones in the park that explore many different terrains. Check out this website to find out more.
Go waterfall chasing. Explore the Taranaki Falls, the Tawhai Falls, Mangawhero falls and the National Park’s highest waterfall, Waitonga falls.
Catch a sunset. There are many great vantage points around the park to watch the sun go down. My personal favorite is the top of Bruce Road. Outside the Chateau is also a good spot.
Do the Tongariro Crossing, one of New Zealand’s most infamous and beloved walks. You will see emerald pools and almost Mars like landscapes. It is a very cool walk but is an all day affair, so you will need to have reasonable fitness.
Go skiing or snowboarding. In open season, the slopes are open and you can go up using the Sky Waka to the top of the mountain.

Where to stay in Whanganui

There are two DoC campsites, one on either side of the park. These are called Mangahuia and Mangawhero. You can stay here for free if you have the DoC camp pass, otherwise it is $15 a night.

The Whakapapa Camp Site is up the mountain and is more expensive. However, they do offer luxuries DoC camps do not, such as hot showers and a kitchen and laundry. They are also right next to the start of many different walks in the park. It is a great spot to stay. They offer camping spots as well as cabins. If you have a dog, stay at the Kiwi Cash Carpark outside of the park, as dogs are not allowed in Tongariro at all.

For a little more luxury, why not try out the historical Chateau. While it may look like the hotel from the Shining, it is a piece of New Zealand history to stay at.

Day 11 and 12: Taupō

Taupo is the town right next to New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo. They are a small town in the middle of North Island filled with friendly locals and cool things to check out. Not to mention, the beautiful lake which is right on your doorstep to swim in, sail on, boat on or kayak.

Things to do in Taupō

Try out an eco-sail with Barbary Sail. They use one of New Zealand’s only commercial electric yachts and will sail you on Lake Taupo to go check out the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay. Learn about the area while you relax on a sail boat, which is quiet and zero emissions. A true eco experience.
Ride on a doughboat. This is an electric doughnut shaped boat that you hire and steer yourself. Perfect way to explore the lake - you can bring your own food and drink to enjoy as you cruise.
Check out the Huka Falls, one of the most visited tourist spots in New Zealand. You can witness the power of a waterfall that sees a quarter of a million litres of water pass over a 11m waterfall every second. That is a lot of water.
Soak in the Spa Thermal Parks hot springs. This is a free hot water complex right next to the Waikato River.
Wander in the Waipahihi Botanical Reserve, a beautiful garden complex that is run by the community.
Walk around the lake and enjoy the views.

Where to stay in Taupo

The Top Ten Taupo is a great modern campground that is a short drive from the lake. It offers camping spots as well as units and cabins. They are in the process of building a pool which should be finished this year and the staff are really lovely.

The Taupo DeBretts is a holiday park as well as a water park, so this is a great option if you have kids or if you enjoy splashing around.

And if you like a little bit of luxury, check out the Wairakei Resort Taupo, which has a range of accommodation options as well as two pools, a golf course, a spa and a dining area.

And there we have it, a cool road trip itinerary for the North Island. Well, mainly the east coast and central North Island, which are great spots to explore the next time you are getting out.