NORTH ISLAND WONDERS

This awesome 19-day road trip winds its way down the laid-back, sun-soaked east coast of New Zealand’s North Island—packed with hidden gems, relaxed vibes, and unforgettable views.

We kick things off in Rotorua, soaking in steaming geothermal wonders before heading to Hobbiton™ for a dash of Middle-Earth magic. From there, we roll into the rugged beauty of Coromandel Town for two nights under the stars, before crossing the mountains and visiting some of the country’s most beautiful white sand beaches on our way to Hot Water Beach and the spectacular Cathedral Cove, where we stay for two nights. Further down the coastal track, we spend a day enjoying the golden sands of ‘buzzy’ Mount Maunganui, before meandering on to the pretty harbour town of Whakatāne – gateway to volcanic Whakaari / White Island offshore.

The remote and untouched wilds of East Cape await next, where we camp to experience the first sunrise on Earth. We drive on to Eastwoodhill for a peaceful two nights inside the world's southernmost temperate arboretum, before heading to the art deco architecture and vineyard vibes of Napier.

Continuing south, we stop in the charming Wairarapa town of Greytown, and take a memorable day trip to the rugged coastal beauty of Castlepoint. Our final leg takes us along the dramatic southern coast to Cape Palliser, before wrapping up the journey over the hills in the vibrant capital city of Wellington—full of great food, cool culture, and a funky arts scene.

It’s a journey full of golden beaches, wild coastline, quirky towns, and chilled-out camp vibes—perfect for those who love the road less travelled.