Cape to Capital - North Island Itinerary

Spend the day exploring the very top of the North Island. Travel to Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea meets the mighty Pacific Ocean. On a good day, a white line of foam stretches across the ocean showing where the two bodies of water meet. Maori consider this place sacred, here spirits of the deceased leap into the ocean to return to their ancestral land.

From Cape Reinga, make your way to Ninety Mile Beach where you can sandboard down giant sand dunes and dig for fresh shellfish. On your return to Paihia, be sure to stop at Mangōnui, known for its delicious fish and chips.

As you make your way south, take time to visit some of the interesting towns you pass along the way. Kawakawa must be one of the few towns in the world known for its public toilet. As the last building designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser, it is a masterpiece of glass tiles and imagination.

The subtropical city of Whangārei lies on the edge of a beautiful harbour. You’ll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops.

End the day in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Here you can enjoy marine adventures, forest walks and world-class food and wine.

The beach town of Whitianga is the ideal base for visiting the Coromandel's must-see attractions. 

Cathedral Cove is a picturesque photo spot made famous by the Chronicles of Nania: Prince Caspian. At Hot Water Beach a natural hot spring lies beneath the sand. If you arrive within 2 hours of low tide, you can dig a hole and create your own natural spa. Coromandel is also the home of two spectacular marine reserves, making it a perfect place for snorkelling and diving.

The road south takes you through surf town Whangamatā and the dramatic Karangahake Gorge. Karangahake Gorge walkway is a fascinating look into the region's gold mining history. After the gold mining town of Waihī, you'll find yourself amid lush farmland on your way to Matamata.

It's easy to see why Peter Jackson chose this area to play The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Visit Hobbiton Movie Set to see how Peter Jackson bought this imaginary place to life. From here, it's an easy journey on to Rotorua.

Car-free option

Add a night in Tauranga: 4 h | Whitianga to Tauranga & 1 h 25 min | Tauranga to Rotorua.

In Rotorua, geothermal activity breathes through every part of the city, from bubbling mud to erupting geysers.

Adrenaline junkies will love Rotorua's range of adventure activities, with bungy jumping, mountain biking and zorbing just a few of the activities on offer. In the Whakarewarewa Forest, you can climb into the forest canopy and discover a whole new world with a Redwood Treewalk.

End the day with a soak at the Polynesian Spa and discover the unique culture of the Maori people with a cultural experience at Te Puia, Mitai or Tāmaki Māori Villages.

The road to Taupō is dotted with unusual, volcanic geography. A side road takes you to Orakei Korako Thermal Park, where you’ll discover geysers, silica terraces and craters of boiling mud. Other activities along the way include Huka Falls and The Kinloch Club, a world-acclaimed golf course.

Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake and ideal for a spot of fly-fishing and a huge range of water sports. If you've got time, take a boat cruise or kayaking tour to visit the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay and learn a bit about the region's history.

The major entertainment on the road from Taupō to Napier is the fantastic scenery. There’s a bit of everything - rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas. Hot springs in Tarawera are a good rest stop along the way, as is the Waiarua Falls lookout.

Napier is famous for its distinctive architecture. In 1931, a devastating earthquake nearly levelled the city. It was rebuilt in the style of the times and is now considered the Art Deco Capital of the world. Beyond the city, explore the region's vineyards on a self-drive, chauffer driven or bicycle tour. Or, visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui.

Your journey today takes you through some of the North Island's most charming provincial towns. Just before Masterton, you will find wildlife sanctuary Puhaka Mount Bruce; an essential stop for nature lovers. Carterton is a good place for pāua shell souvenirs, while Greytown has many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture and a quaint museum. 

With over 25 boutique vineyards, Martinborough is a place of exquisite wine, gourmet food and upmarket B&Bs. You can walk to most of the local attractions from the town square.

 Car-free option

Add a night in Palmerston North: 3 h | Napier to Palmerston North & 3 h 55 min | Palmerston North to Martinborough.

From Martinborough, climb up and over the Remutaka Range with great views in every direction. Cyclists may want to try riding the Remutaka Cycle Trail, which follows the old railway line over the range to Wellington.

Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot. Be sure to visit the national museum, Te Papa, while you're here. Other attractions include the Wellington Cable Car, the Houses of Parliament, Zealandia and Wētā Workshop. Dance, theatre and musical performances are also a Wellington speciality and a great way to end your New Zealand journey.