Cape Reinga Campervan Loop

Head north from Auckland to the pretty township of Matakana, where you’ll find wineries, galleries and boutique shopping as well as a popular Saturday farmer's market that draws foodies from far and wide. Just out of town is Matakana Oysters- grab a tub of these plump and delicious local specialties to pop in the fridge for later, then explore the incredible outdoor artworks at nearby Sculptureum. Omaha Beach is minutes away, with its gentle waves and spectacular beachfront homes, or take a quick detour to Tāwharanui Regional Park – a marine reserve with a campground close to the white sand beach. Continue north via the popular holiday spot of Mangawhai Heads, home to famous chocolatiers Bennets of Mangawhai. Head up the coast to Waipu with its beautiful beach and go glow-worm spotting at Waipu Caves(opens in new window). Then onwards to Whangārei where you’ll find a range of motor camps for the night.

Start the day with breakfast at one of Whangārei’s quayside eateries then browse shops and galleries in the city centre or explore the 15 large-scale street art murals of the Street Art Trail. Check out the Hundertwasser Art Centre, home to the Wairua Māori Art Gallery, or clear away the cobwebs with a walk up Mount Parihaka – the city’s highest point and once the largest Māori pā site in New Zealand. Stock up on supplies and head out towards Tutukaka on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. This stretch of coastline is famous for diving and fishing and is the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, which renowned diver and adventurer Jacques Cousteau rated as one of the top ten dives in the world. Up the coast is spectacular Matapouri Beach, and nearby Whale Bay has great surf. Then onwards to Paihia where you’ll find plenty of overnight options.

The Bay of Islands saw many key moments in New Zealand’s early history and there’s lots to explore. Waitangi is just a few minutes outside Paihia, where you can book a tour of the beautiful Waitangi Treaty Grounds, or take a ferry over to historic Russell, which was the first European settlement and is home to New Zealand’s oldest church and its first licensed hotel in the Duke of Marlborough. Head out on the water for dolphin spotting and a cruise to the magnificent Hole in the Rock.  From Paihia, hit the road north towards to the historic fishing village of Mangōnui, where you’ll find New Zealand’s most famous fish and chips at Mangōnui Fish Shop,(opens in new window) perched right over the water. The nearby Hihi Holiday Park (opens in new window)overlooks stunning Doubtless Bay, or there are other spots along the main highway that welcome campervans.

Take the road north to the famous lighthouse at Cape Reinga where you’ll see the crash of foam as the Pacific and Tasman oceans meet, and the sacred Māori site of Te Rerenga Wairua – the headland from which spirits are said to depart. Don’t miss the incredible Te Paki Sand Dunes, a few minutes back down the highway. Like something out of a sci-fi landscape, these immense dunes are great fun for boogie boarding. Head south for lunch in Kaitaia then on to Ahipara, at the bottom of 90 Mile Beach – a great spot for a swim or surf, or to gather tuatua at low tide. Then it’s off to the sparkling waters of the Hokianga Harbour. Skirt the edges of the harbour or take the vehicle ferry from Kohukohu to Rawene, where the Rawene Holiday Park is a great spot for the night.

The waterfront Boatshed Café in Rawene is a great spot to kick off a day of exploring the historic Hokianga. Many iwi (Māori tribes) trace their ancestry back to the legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe who, with his people, voyaged across the southern ocean to find New Zealand, and is said to have first landed his waka on the shores of the Hokianga Harbour. You can learn more about this with a Manea Footprints of Kupe experience. After exploring the twin settlements of Ōmāpere/Opononi, head south through the Waipoua Forest, home to mighty Tane Mahuta, an ancient kauri tree. Seeing the forest at twilight is an unforgettable experience and Footprints Waipoua offer guided tours. Just 45 minutes south are the beautiful Kai Iwi Lakes, which have several camping spots to choose from for the night.

Wake up to the white sand lakes surrounded by a pine forest that make up the famous Kai Iwi Lakes – the perfect spot to rest and recharge. You can swim, kayak, fish for trout or explore the walking tracks. From here, head south to Matakohe for a visit to the famous Kauri Museum, which tells the story of the region’s ancient kauri forests and gum digging days. Spend the afternoon exploring the little townships dotted around the ‘arms’ of the Kaipara Harbour as you make your way south. There are several campgrounds to choose from for the night, like Pahi Beach Holiday Park(opens in new window) or Paparoa Motor Camp(opens in new window).

As you head south, grab a coffee in Wellsford and then take SH16 along the Kaipara Coast, passing through the historic townships of Kaukapapa and Helensville. Keen mountain bikers will love the trails at Woodhill Mountain Bike Park. Follow the signs to Muriwai – this black sand beach is famed for its pounding surf and the gannet colony at its southern end. Join the boogie boarders between the flags or the surfers out the back – but take shoes for the sand in summer as it gets hot! The village of Kumeū(opens in new window) is just 20 minutes away and home to boutique wineries like Soljan Estate and world-famous Kumeū River(opens in new window). Enjoy lunch at craft brewery Hallertau(opens in new window) in nearby Riverhead, or the historic tavern The Riverhead(opens in new window). Kumeū is also known for its roadside fruit and veg stalls and draws crowds over summer for strawberry picking. From here, it’s just 30 minutes back to Auckland.

 View the route below