North Island Circuit

From Auckland travel south towards Thames. Along the way take time to visit Miranda, where relaxing hot springs and a bird sanctuary will get you in the holiday mood. Founded during the Coromandel gold rush, Thames is scattered with relics of a gold mining past. The local museum tells the region's rich history.

Continue along the coast through a procession of Pohutukawa fringed beaches to Coromandel town. Here you'll find a charming mix of craft shops, hiking trails, and a narrow gauge railway through native forest. In the afternoon, head to Whitianga, taking time to explore the beach settlements of Whangapoua, Matarangi, and Kuaotunu along the way.

The road south from Whitianga gives you the chance to see two of Coromandel's must-do attractions; Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Be sure to visit Hot Water Beach at low tide to dig your own spa in the sand.

Whangamatā, one of the country’s most attractive surf towns is well worth a visit. From here, you can take a day trip out to Mayor Island, an offshore dormant volcano that has become a wildlife sanctuary. Other towns of interest include Waihī, Athenree Gorge, and Katikati, known for its numerous town murals.

In Tauranga, boat charters offer fishing, snorkelling or dolphin watching tours. Alternatively, stay ashore and explore nearby Mount Maunganui.

From Tauranga, it’s short trip Rotorua, the geothermal heart of New Zealand. Along the way, the charming towns of Te Puke and Paengaroa make for interesting distractions, before you begin the climb over the Mamaku Range. Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, near Lake Rotoiti, has a picturesque walking trail to a series of thundering waterfalls surrounded by lush native forest.

Everywhere you look in Rotorua, the earth is alive with volcanic activity. Spend the day exploring the many geothermal attractions from bubbling mud to erupting geysers. In the evening, relax at the Polynesian Spa or immerse yourself in a cultural experience at Te Puia, Mitai or Tāmaki Māori Villages.

Whakatāne is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand with a great mix of activities including a museum, observatory and numerous Maori historical sites. 

There are two routes to Gisborne from Whakatāne. The drive around East Cape is beautiful but challenging, you may want to break the journey with a night at Te Araroa. Sights on the way include the beautiful Maori church at Tikitiki, hot pools in Te Puia Springs, and a historic 660-metre wharf in Tolaga Bay.

Alternatively, take the shorter inland route and spend more time in Gisborne, where good wine and fantastic surf beaches abound. 

Napier is famous for its distinctive Art Deco architecture. In 1931, a devastating earthquake nearly levelled the city, and it was rebuilt in the style of the times. The architects added Maori motifs to many buildings, giving them a distinctly New Zealand flavour. Every February, Napier celebrates its Art Deco style with a festival of all things 1930s.

Beyond the city, Hawke's Bay is a region of vineyards and orchards. Hire a bike and explore the easy cycle trails that connect wineries, beaches and picturesque landscapes. For nature lovers, the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is well worth a visit.

Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre(opens in new window) is a must-do on your way south. The centre is home to a variety of native New Zealand wildlife, including the titipounamu (rifleman), kārearea (New Zealand falcon) and the kererū (wood pigeon). Other attractions along the way include the Wool Shed in Masterton, Pāua World with its great selection of souvenirs, and Greytown's charming assemblage of boutique shops, art galleries and antique stores.

In Wellington, you'll discover a lively combination of culture and heritage. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot. Delve into the many museums and galleries, sample local craft beers and experience the quirky culture of New Zealand's capital city.

The route to Whanganui is lined with wildlife encounters. Offshore from Waikanae is Kāpiti Island, a nature reserve for rare birds - book tours to the island with a licenced operator. Further north, Levin is home to a thriving clothing industry and many factory outlet shops. Nearby two beautiful dune lakes, provide a watery home for wading birds.

As one of the country's oldest settler towns, Whanganui has a long history and some beautifully restored heritage areas. The city's true spiritual heart is its river; Whanganui River is the longest navigable river in New Zealand. There are multiple ways to explore this beautiful area, from jet boat to paddle steamer or kayak.

As the road heads west from Whanganui, keep an eye out for small museums and quirky art shops. The rural centre of Hāwera is home to New Zealand’s largest milk factory and an interactive dairy farming attraction.

From Hāwera, you can take one of two routes, follow the coast and have a beach view all the way or take the inland route via Stratford and enjoy the green serenity of farmland. Either way, the dramatic volcanic cone of Taranaki Maunga will dominate the landscape for much of your journey. 

Beautiful parks and gardens decorate the city of New Plymouth, which is a hub for art and culture. Be sure to check out Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Puke Ariki.

Today's journey begins with a procession of seaside villages looking out to the Tasman Sea. Whitecliffs Walkway is a fabulous hike if you have the time. At Awakino turn eastward and travel through a mixture of farmland, forest and rugged mountain country.

The gateway to Waitomo Caves is the rural town of Te Kūiti, which plays host to the annual NZ sheep shearing championships.

Waitomo is famous for its subterranean splendour. Beneath the surface, lies a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Some caves offer an easy walk; others are more challenging and require specialised caving equipment.

From the Waitomo, the trip to Hamilton takes you through prime Waikato farmland. Detour to Matamata to see the Hobbiton Movie Set(opens in new window) exactly as it appeared in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies.

In Hamilton, the mighty Waikato River brings a unique beauty to the city. Local attractions include gardens, museums and a giant aviary at the Hamilton Zoo. 

In Auckland, you can’t miss the extinct volcanic cones that dot the landscape, 48 in all. With two huge harbours, and plenty of other attractions such as harbour cruises, beautiful beaches, forest walks and tempting cuisine, Auckland is a great place to end your journey.