THE TOP OF THE 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 heaven – the perfect place for our welcome lunch.  

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

‍Included L,D (Lunch, Dinner)
‍Camping: Kauri Coast
‍
‍‍Day 2 – We head north and meander our way through the Waipoua Kauri Forest, which helps to bring to life what we saw and learnt yesterday at Kauri Museum in Matakohe. We then make 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 will have you marveling at the extraordinary landscape, where cyclindal natural sculptured rocks make for a great photo opportunity.

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

‍Included B,D
Camping: Whatuwhiwhi
‍
‍‍Day 3 – 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.

We will, weather permitting go and explore some of the further bays, scenic reserves and lookouts situated around this peninsula, including 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 largely unexplored KariKari Peninsula.‍

‍Included B,D
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!

Included B,D
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
‍
‍Included B,D
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”.
‍
Included B
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 B,D
Camping: Russell

Day 8 - Today we head south to Whangarei Falls. This 26m high waterfall on the Hatea River in the Whangarei Scenic Reserve makes for a pleasant lunch stop.  

From here, we drive back out to the coast, where we pass through stunning Langs Beach and Waipu Beaches making a stop to take a short walk to see the fascinating Waipu Pancake Rocks.

Our final destination today is just over the hill at Mangawhai Heads, where you’ll find surf, sea, sand, and rugged coastal scenery.  
‍
Included B,D
Camping: Mangawhai Heads

Day 9 – Free Day.

Whether its relaxing on the beach, walking beside the sand dunes or having a go at fishing, kayaking or the many other water-based activities on offer, Mangawhai Heads is a beautiful spot to spend your day.

You might also wish to explore the excellent Mangawhai Coastal Cliff walk. This 2-3 hour round trip offers spectacular elevated ocean views up and down the coast and out to the many offshore islands.

Included B,D
Camping: Mangawhai Heads
‍
Day 10 – ‘Relocating’ from the Northland region to the Coromandel, we navigate our way 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 the marshy flats, wetlands, tidal flats and mangroves which are home to over sixty different avian species and in excess of 40,000 individual birds.  

The scenic Thames Coastal Road offers our first experience of the magnificent Coromandel and all it has to offer as we arrive into Coromandel Town. The Coromandel is a popular holiday destination renowned for its 400kms of pristine white sandy beaches and relaxed vibes.

‍Included B,D
Camping: Coromandel Town
‍
Day 11 – ‘Free Day. (optional free day road trip around the Coromandel)

You have a free day to explore Coromandel Town, a unique little settlement with character, soul and ambience. 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.

Weather permitting, we will seize the chance to take a further drive north and explore even more of this area’s remote beauty.

We may even be able to walk part of the Coromandel Coastal Walkway. One of New Zealand’s most popular coastal walks with its beautiful scenery and remote location, it borders the northern Coromandel coastline between Stony and Fletcher Bays and follows an old bridle path formed by early pioneers.

Included B,D
Camping: Coromandel Town
‍
Day 12 – We start today with a visit to the Driving Creek Railway and experience a unique tour on New Zealand’s only mountain railway after which, we zigzag across and around the Coromandel Peninsula to Hot Water Beach on the east coast.

Along the way we visit Kūaotunu – home of the 10 scoop ice cream!, beautiful Otama beach and the harbour town of Whitianga.
‍
‍Included B,D
Camping: Hot Water Beach, Coromandel
‍
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 Hot Water Beach, you can opt for one of the many boat trips that are on offer, kayak tours, diving and snorkeling trips or simply dig yourself a hole and sit in it! Yes, Hot Water Beach is exactly that – find the right place to dig and you’ll discover a hot pool waiting for you to sit and relax in. A complimentary spa, even if you do have to do the digging yourself!  

Voted one of the most picturesque spots in the Coromandel, Cathedral Cove is home to a soaring limestone rock arch that separates two white sandy beaches and is a kayak or boat trip away. A number of tours are bookable from the Hot Water Beach area. There is a scenic walk also (but is currently inaccessible due to excessive storm damage. The work to reinstate the walkway is underway)
‍
Included B,D
Camping:  Hot Water Beach, Coromandel

Day 14 - We start today by heading a little further south to the stunning Mount Paku peninsula. The 360° panoramic views at the top of the summit walk are not to be missed, looking down over Tairua harbour, Pauanui Beach, the beautiful turquoise blue estuary waters, and out along the coast to the Alderman Islands.  

We then head a little inland to the town of Waihi, New Zealand's 'Heart of Gold', with a gold mining history spanning three centuries and a local open pit mine that is still fully operational.

Further south, we enter the City of Tauranga where we drive past New Zealand's biggest port and one of its largest natural harbours before ending up in the popular seaside resort of Mount Maunganui. Its long sandy main beach stretches right up to the base of the ‘Mount’ which can be climbed to gain spectacular views across the city, harbour and coastline.  

‍Included B,D
Camping: Mount Maunganui

Day 15 – Free Day.  

Enjoy a walk along the beach, watch the surfers ride the waves and the ships coming into the harbour, indulge in the numerous cafes, juice and coffee shops along the sea front, or take the walk up the Mount.

If you fancy a day in the city, you can take the bus into Tauranga and shop til you drop - up to you.
‍
Included B,D
Camping: Mount Maunganui
‍
‍‍Day 16 – The ‘Hobbiton’ Day. (Included activity) (Optional free evening visit to the Whakarewarewa Forest)  

Experience the magic of the Hobbiton movie set, situated in the heart of the Mighty Waikato region. Here you will explore the real ‘middle earth’ and the lush pastures of the ‘Shire’ with a guided walking tour of Hobbiton as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Wander amongst the ‘Hobbit Holes’, past the Mill and down to the Green Dragon Inn for a refreshing complimentary drink. Even if you’re not a fan of the books or films, we are sure you will still find this tour extremely endearing, interesting and very photogenic.

We end our day in Rotorua where we will settle down for three nights.  

Tonight after dark, you have the option to join us at the Whakarewarewa Forest where you can enjoy the magical light display amongst the enormous redwood trees. (The elevated tree walk – additional cost, can be booked at the ticket office on site)
‍
Included B
Camping: Rotorua

Day 17 – We say our farewells over breakfast, before you pack up and leave the tour.

Included B ‍