THE SCENIC NORTH

Day 1

We start off today with a very informal welcome meeting in Auckland. A chance for everyone to say ‘Kia Ora’ (hello in Māori), for us to introduce ourselves, tell you a little bit more about the coming days, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll pack up our trailer, introduce you to the van and hit the road.

It’s not a long drive to our first adventure. As we cross the Harbour Bridge, the stunning skyline of Auckland fades into the background, replaced by the lush green landscapes that lead us to Matakana. The drive is dotted with charming rural scenery, and soon we’ll be surrounded by vineyards, markets, and the coastal beauty of the area. Matakana is a foodie and wine lover's nirvana – the perfect place for our first lunch-stop.

We then travel north alongside the Wairoa River and through Dargaville before arriving at our destination for the first night on the Kauri Coast.

After getting settled in here we will cook dinner for you and look forward to our evening adventure...

Tonight, as an optional (included) activity, we will take you into the Trounsen Forest to search for Kiwi once the sun has gone down. This is a very special experience - most New Zealanders have never seen a Kiwi in the wild. We will have a 50% chance of seeing one. Whilst walking amongst a forest of enormous Kauri trees we will need to be very quiet as we shine our red torch lights (provided) through the undergrowth in our search for these shy, nocturnal birds. The flightless Kiwi bird is a ‘taonga’ (treasure) to Māori, who have strong cultural, spiritual and historic associations with it. It is also an icon here in NZ, symbolising the uniqueness of New Zealand's wildlife and natural heritage.

‍Accommodation: Camping (Kauri Coast)

‍Day 2

We head north and meander our way through the Waipoua Kauri Forest, making a stop at majestic Tāne Mahuta, the ‘Lord of the Forest’ and New Zealand’s largest living Kauri tree. Keep looking up as you take the short walk through the forest, and you will soon see this magnificent tree towering over all of the others. At over 2000 years old, it is hard not to be in awe of Tāne Mahuta’s size, strength and ancient presence. Get somebody to take a photo of you with the tree behind — you’ll appear very small indeed.

We'll then head up to Arai Te Uru — the south head of the Hokianga Harbour. This headland offers spectacular views of the Tasman Sea and over to the giant sand dunes on the opposite side of the harbour entrance.

We travel through Omapere and Opononi, two small towns that were well known in the 1950’s for a friendly dolphin called ‘Opo’. She was a young Bottlenose dolphin that enjoyed playing and spending time with humans in the harbour here.

Then we make a stop to visit the Koutu Boulders. This short pleasant walk, at low tide leads to a group of large, natural, cylindrical natural rocks that make for a great photo opportunity.

Heading around the northern part of the Hokianga Harbour, we then travel over to the east coast where we base ourselves for 3 nights at the northern end of Doubtless Bay in a small settlement called Whatuwhiwhi.

Accommodation: Camping (Whatuwhiwhi)

Day 3 | Free Day

With our campsite only a stone’s throw from Perehipe Beach, you might just want to relax here today. With safe swimming and water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding, it is truly a paradise to enjoy, relax and unwind in.

If you're feeling energetic, take a walk along this stretch of coastline — Tokerau Beach has 18km of uninterrupted sandy beach to discover. Also, only 2km from camp is the Carrington Estate World Class Golf Course and Karikari Estate Winery.

Weather permitting, we will explore some of the other bays, scenic reserves and lookouts situated around this peninsula, including the stunning and remote Maitai Bay, and Waikato Bay - a heart shaped bay with two beautiful beaches. We’ll be on the lookout for dolphins and orcas who often come close to shore and chase the stingrays along the beach — an awe-inspiring sight to see. Come along for the ride around the gorgeous Karikari Peninsula.

Accommodation: Camping (Whatuwhiwhi)

Day 4

No need to take down your tents this morning as we are off on a full day trip to Cape Reinga.

Today takes us all the way to the top of New Zealand — the northernmost point. It is a scenic drive to get there, but the main attraction is at the end of the road. After passing through green pastures, we are then greeted with large rolling sand dunes on both sides of the road.

Then as we get closer to the very top of New Zealand, we wind our way up steep hills and are rewarded with incredible views of the roiling ocean, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. Here at Cape Reinga, we have time for a stroll down to the iconic lighthouse and its outstanding views of the northern coastline. It is here that we can often see the two distinct colours of the waters as they come together.

Soon after starting our drive back to Whatuwhiwhi, we make a stop at the Te Paki sand dunes — a vast area of sand with native bush on one side and Ninety Mile Beach and the ocean on the other. They are quite incredible to see. You’ll have time to walk across the desert-like landscape or hire a sandboard and have a go at ‘boarding’ down the dunes!

Accommodation: Camping (Whatuwhiwhi)

Day 5

We leave Whatuwhiwhi this morning and head around the headland to a picturesque beach settlement called Matauri Bay.

Here you can climb the hill to see the Rainbow Warrior Memorial and for stunning views across to the Cavalli Islands, or just relax on the beautiful beach.

We then head south to Kerikeri, home to New Zealand’s oldest buildings. Dating back to 1822, The Kerikeri Mission Station (Kemp House) stands adjacent to the old Stone Store which was built in 1832.

Situated in a beautiful orchard setting, we have time to look around, visit the museum* and store, and enjoy some lunch at the cafe on site. The afternoon will take us through Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands, on our way to the charmingly historic town of Russell. *at your own cost

‍Accommodation: Camping (Russell)

Day 6 | Free Day

Spend today exploring Russell itself and/or take a boat trip out around the Bay of Islands.

The Bay of Islands comprises of 144 islands, so this is your chance to get out on the water and see them. Embark on a cruise, charter a yacht, hire a sea kayak or join one of the jet boat safaris that are on offer here.

These unique excursions will take you to islands with white sandy beaches, secluded coves, stunning marine life, not forgetting the famed “Hole in the Rock”.

‍Accommodation: Camping (Russell)

Day 7 | Free Day

Today, why not take the frequent foot ferry across to Paihia, have a mooch around the Bay of Islands main tourist town, and/or visit Waitangi.

Situated just a short walk from Paihia, Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and more than 500 Māori chiefs. At Waitangi, visitors are given an in—depth introduction to the early history of New Zealand and Māori culture.

You can visit the Treaty House itself, marvel at the fully carved Māori meeting house and traditional Waka (canoes), experience a live cultural performance and explore the two museums and beautiful grounds.

Included in your Russell stay is a cultural evening that features a Maori concert and traditional Hangi meal at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

‍Accommodation: Camping (Russell)

Day 8

Today we travel south to Whangārei, stopping to stretch our legs at the plunging Whangārei Falls, set within a lush and scenic reserve. After soaking up the views, we continue on through rolling countryside to the beautiful Waipu region, where we settle in for the next two nights.

‍Accommodation: Camping (Waipu Cove)

Day 9 | Free Day

Today is all about slowing the pace and soaking up the beauty of Waipu Cove. This laid-back beachside village is framed by golden sand, clear blue water, and iconic red pōhutukawa trees that spill down towards the shore, creating one of Northland’s most picture-perfect coastal settings. With the beach right on our doorstep, there’s time to swim or surf, wander along the shoreline, explore the local 'pancake rock' formation, or relax and enjoy the gentle rhythm of life by the sea. It’s an idyllic spot to unwind and savour the natural beauty of New Zealand’s coastline.

‍Accommodation: Camping (Waipu Cove)

Day 10

‘Relocating’ south and east from the Northland region to the Coromandel Peninsula, we first navigate our way back through Auckland, ‘the City of Sails’, with its impressive skyline and iconic Sky Tower looming in the distance.

We then take the scenic route around the Firth of Thames. This quiet, pretty road is also known as ‘The Seabird Coast’. On the way, we pass through bays, beaches, lush reserves and alongside marshy flats, wetlands, tidal flats and mangroves that are home to over sixty different avian species and in excess of 40,000 individual birds.

The Coromandel is a popular holiday destination renowned for its 400kms of pristine white sandy beaches and relaxed vibes. The scenic Thames Coastal Road provides a dramatic first impression of this spectacular region as we approach Coromandel Town.

Accommodation: Camping (Coromandel Town)

Day 11 | Free Day.

(optional free Coromandel ‘beach’ day)

You have a free day to explore Coromandel Town, a unique little settlement with history, soul and character. As well as galleries and craft shops, the town has many restored Victorian buildings and a small mining museum. There are many bush and beach walks nearby too.

Alternatively, and if weather permits, we will drive, explore and spend some time at some of the more remote beaches and bays along the Coromandel’s northern coastline.

Accommodation: Camping (Coromandel Town)

Day 12  

After breakfast today, we zigzag over and around the Coromandel Peninsula to Hahei Beach, on its eastern coast.

Along the way we visit Kūaotunu – home of the infamous 10 scoop ice cream! We also visit the white sands of beautiful Otama beach and spend time in the harbour town of Whitianga.

Accommodation: Camping (Hahei)

Day 13 | Free Day.

This is your chance to get out and explore the beautiful Coromandel's east coast with its pristine beaches, beautiful bays, caves and islands.

From our camp at Hahei Beach, you can opt for one of the many boat trips, kayak tours, diving and snorkelling trips that are on offer.

But you should also make sure you walk to one of the most picturesque spots in all of New Zealand - Cathedral Cove. This incredibly photogenic little bay is home to a soaring limestone rock arch that separates two white sandy beaches. It is a location visited by a large number of people through the day – our suggestion is to make the effort and walk there from our camp early in the morning before the crowds arrive.  

Accommodation: Camping (Hahei)

Day 14 ‍

We begin our journey heading south to the spectacular Mount Paku Peninsula. Weather permitting, the summit walk rewards us with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, overlooking Tairua Harbour, Pauanui Beach, the turquoise waters of the estuary, and stretching along the coastline to the Alderman Islands — an unforgettable highlight of the day.

Continuing south, we arrive in the vibrant city of Tauranga, passing New Zealand’s largest port and one of its most impressive natural harbours. Our journey takes us on to the popular seaside destination of Mount Maunganui, where a long, golden sandy beach runs all the way to the base of the iconic “Mount.” This distinctive extinct volcano offers an optional climb, with stunning views across the city, harbour, and coastline awaiting those who reach the summit.

Accommodation: Camping (Mt Maunganui)

Day 15 | Free Day.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Mount Maunganui. Take a stroll along the golden beach, watch surfers ride the waves, or see ships gliding into the harbour. If you’re feeling active, why not try a surf lesson, or hire a bike to explore the local trails? Kayaks and windsurfers are also available to hire, offering a fun way to get out on the water.

Afterwards, relax and refuel at the many cafés, juice bars, and coffee spots lining the waterfront, or challenge yourself with a walk to the summit of the Mount for rewarding coastal views.

If you’d prefer a change of pace, hop on a bus into Tauranga for a day of city shopping and exploration — the choice is entirely yours.

Accommodation: Camping (Mt Maunganui)

Day 16

The ‘Hobbiton’ Day. (Included activity)

From Mount Maunganui, we enjoy a scenic drive over the Kaimai Ranges into the Waikato region, arriving at the charming town of Matamata. Here, we step into the magical world of Hobbits and spend time exploring one of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions.

Discover “Middle-Earth” on a guided Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour, set amongst the lush green pastures of “the Shire” and made famous by Sir Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Wander past the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and down to the Green Dragon Inn, where a complimentary drink awaits. Even if you’re not a fan of the books or films, this enchanting and highly photogenic experience is sure to delight.

Leaving Hobbiton in the afternoon, we soon enter the City of Rotorua, where you spend your final night of the tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping (Rotorua)

Day 17

Depart Tour

Meals Included: Breakfast