New Zealand Northland Road Trip Itinerary

Northland New Zealand is an area of green rolling hills, farmlands and great forests. Surrounded almost entirely by water and snaked by rivers and inlets, you’ll find beautiful beaches perfect for swimming and strolling, islands with crystal clear water that could rival the Pacific Islands and rivers and inlets perfect for boating and fishing.

Because of its close proximity just north of Auckland, Northland is very accessible and should be included in your North Island New Zealand road trip.

This Northland road trip takes you on a round trip from Auckland and covers all the things to do in Northland including all those incredible beaches, forests and islands I mentioned above.

While I do map out five days for this Northland road trip itinerary below, you could adapt my suggestions for less days by skipping a stop or spending less time at a stop, or add more days by adding extra time in some of the places mentioned or heading further north to Cape Reinga.

Where is Northland Located

Looking at a map of New Zealand’s North Island, Northland is the long narrow peninsula that juts out northwest of Auckland.

It is an often forgotten region with most people arriving in Auckland to explore New Zealand head south to the more recognised regions of the North and South Islands. But I’m here to tell you that you simply must head north and discover New Zealand’s Northland, an area that blew me away visually.

Best Time to Visit Northland New Zealand

Known as ‘The Winterless North’, it’s sub-tropical climate means warm humid summers and mild wet winters. It has the country’s highest average annual temperature ranging from 22ºc to 30ºc in summer with minimums averaging 14ºc in winter.

Northland is certainly much warmer than the rest of the country and it’s for this reason that it is a very popular summer holiday destination for New Zealanders.

Summer in Northland can be quiet busy so if you would like to visit without the crowds, try outside of the December/January holidays and you will find it a little quieter.

And because of the relatively milder winters, you could really visit Northland at any time of the year and find plenty to see and do. Hikes through the forest are especially nice on a cooler day.

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Car Hire in Auckland

Due to the fact that New Zealand is an island, most people visiting Auckland will need to hire a car when they arrive to help with getting around.

For all my car hire bookings I use and recommend Hertz. I’ve found they offer the most comparable prices, let you search and compare multiple vehicle types and they have a great customer service team who can help if you come into any unexpected troubles.

Northland Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Auckland to Bay of Islands

Start out early to give yourself plenty of time to get to the beautiful Bay of Islands. While the drive itself only takes around three hours, there are some beautiful beaches and towns along the way that are worth your time to stop, take a walk and enjoy the scenery.

Once you get over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge you are in the city’s North Shore area. While this technically isn’t part of Northland, you can’t drive through without making a few stops.

If you haven’t already visited Devonport during your stay in Auckland then its just a quick 20 minutes detour off route to do so. While you are there make sure you head up to North Head Historical Reserve for views back to Auckland, wander through the local artisan shops and take a stroll along the fig tree lined waterfront.

Jump back on the highway north until you reach the sleepy little coastal town of Orewa about 30 minutes from Auckland CBD. The highlight here is the long sandy beach. Get out, take a stroll and maybe stop by one of the bakeries on the main street for a morning tea treat and a coffee.

Don’t get back on the highway just yet. Take the coast road that leads north from the beach at Orewa until you get to the teeny tiny spa town of Waiwera.

Waiwere in Maori means “hot water” and that’s exactly what you will find in this picturesque little place. At Waiwera Thermal Resort you can take a dip in about a dozen different thermal pools ranging from a comfortable 30ºc to a very steamy 40ºc.

Also make sure you check out the beach right at the end of the town while you are there.

Head back to the highway feeling relaxed after your spa, take the road as it leads you away from the coast to the centre of the peninsula towards the town of Wellsford. Once you pass Wellsford you’re officially in Northland!

The scenery really starts to get pretty amazing from here as you continue north with a few lookout points to stop at along the way for great photo opportunities.

It’s back towards the coast and Bream Bay before reaching Northland’s biggest town Whangarei. While it really is just a big town, it is situated on the Whangarei Harbour so there are parts worth exploring around the harbour’s edge.

This is also the perfect place to stop for lunch. Head to The Town Basin at the marina on the river where you will find a bunch of alfresco cafes and restaurants, local artisan stores and a nice small marina and parklands.

Once you’ve refueled, make your way north through the town to Whangarei Falls. Located in a pretty little reserve where you can take a walk on one of the trails or just park the car near the falls and enjoy the view.

Back on the highway you will make your final drive on this leg of the journey to the Bay of Islands. The scenery continues to get better and better.

Then just as you think it can’t get any better, you take the turn off to Paihia and wind your way through lush rainforest with glimpses of the famous bay on your right from time to time.

Where to Stay in the Bay of Islands

The best place to base yourself in the Bay of Islands is Paihia. This lively little town located directly on the bay is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the region.

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Haka Lodge Bay of Islands

Mid-Range – Sea Spray Suites

Luxury – Blue Pacific Apartments

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Day 2 & 3 – Bay of Islands

There is lots to see and do in the Bay of Islands. I’ve written all about it recently in my Things to Do in The Bay of Islands post. But here is a quick overview of what you must see and do during your two days.

Take a cruise – There are a few different cruise companies that all offer similar tours out into the bay. Most of them include viewing, and sometimes going through, The Hole in the Rock, a stop at Ukupukapuka Island and the chance to see dolphins. It’s the perfect way to experience the bays beauty. Lots of tours options are below.

• Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
• Discovery Cruise with Island Stop-Over
• Small Group Afternoon Cruise & Island Tour
• 30 Minute Jet Boat Ride
• Island Hopper Sailing Day Cruise
• 1.5 Hour Fast Boat to Hole in the Rock
• Late Afternoon Tall Ship Sailing Cruise
• 2 Hour Sundowner Sailing Cruise (small boat)

Visit Russell – This very pretty small town is located across the bay from Paihia and is home to a lovely little pebble beach, cute little shops, and great restaurants and cafes. I highly recommend getting a table on the front deck of Duke of Marlborough and enjoying the afternoon sunshine with a drink.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds – One of the most important cultural sights in New Zealand, it is here that in 1840, the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi occurred between Moari people and the Europeans. Today you can take a very interesting tour guided by descendants of those who were a part of the signing and hear all about the stories that have been passed from generation to generation. Finish your visit by checking out the Meeting House and watching the very captivating cultural performance. Book your Waitangi Treaty Grounds tour here.

Haruru Falls – Visit these impressing thundering falls by car or hire a kayak from the Waitangi bridge and kayak there or take the walk from the Treat Grounds carpark through the boardwalked mangroves.

Day 4 – Bay of Islands to Waipoua Forest

Another early start today. This time it’s to get to Waipoua Forest with plenty of time to take it all in. Take State Highway 1 out of Paihia until you get to the turn off for State Highway 12 at the tiny town of Ohaewai.

The drive from Paihia to Opononi on the Hokianga Harbour will take you a little over an hour and is mostly country roads, switching between farmlands and mountains from time to time.

The scenery along the fringe of the harbour is nothing short of spectacular while the towns themselves are the total opposite.

Take a walk out on the Opononi pier where you will find locals fishing and then drive up to the Arai-Te-Uru Recreation Reserve.

The 20 minute return walk takes you through the low scrub out to the point overlooking Hokianga Harbour, out in the ocean and over to the spectacular sand dunes on the other side of the harbour.

From here it’s just 10 minutes drive to the start of Waipoua Forest, home to some of the biggest and oldest Kauri trees still in existence.

Waipoua Forest combined with Mataraua and Waima Forests, make up the largest remaining native forest in Northland with much of the other forested areas of the region being lost to forest clearing for the precious kauri timber. Luckily these three forests are now protected under the Department of Conservation so they are able to be enjoyed by visitors.

The highway winds through the forest making for a very impressive drive.

Make sure you check out some of the biggest and oldest kauri’s in Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere. You can’t miss the signposts and carparks along the way, directing you to the best viewing spots and walking trails.

Each carpark has detailed maps of the walking trails through the forest, some boardwalked while others on dirt, sometimes muddy tracks. Make sure you’re wearing comfy walking shoes.

Spend the rest of the day enjoying the walks and kauri trees in the park before heading to your accommodation for the evening.

Where to Stay in Waipoua Forest

There isn’t a huge amount of choice on places to stay in the Waipoua Forest. You may find private properties for rent or you can stay at the Waipoua Forest Campground & Accommodation. They offer both camping facilites and cabins located on the south side of the forest on the river and completely surrounded by wilderness.

Other accommodation options are available in Hokianga Harbour and Dargaville 30 minutes north and south of the forest.

Day 5 – Waipoua Forest to Auckland

If you haven’t had enough of the forest yet then spend the morning in the forest before heading south back to Auckland. The drive takes about three hours if you don’t make any stops along the way.

But, there are a few nice things to see along the way. The drive south to Dargaville is winding through the mountains with the occasional glimpse of the ocean on your right.

There isn’t much to see in Dargaville itself but the river is pretty impressive so make sure you check that out as you drive through.

Just south of Dargaville is the Kaipara Harbour with inlets running off it into the centre of the peninsula. The road skirts around the inlets offering some spectacular views from the lookouts along the way.

Once you get back to Wellsford the road forks left and right. Left will take you back on the original road you drove on day one and right takes you on a more scenic route along more inlets and down to Helensville.

I recommend you go right and make the most of this beautiful region.

Helensville is a nice little town that is perfect for a lunch or afternoon tea stop before making your final journey back to Auckland.

Where to Stay in Auckland

Before and/or after your Northland road trip you may need somewhere to stay in Auckland.

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Haka Lodge Auckland

Mid-Range – Mercure Auckland Queen Street

Luxury – Hotel DeBrett

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 Over to you!

Have you visited New Zealand’s Northland region or would you like to someday? Have I missed anything that people travelling this route shouldn’t miss?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.