The Ultimate 7-Day Road Trip From Auckland

Are you looking for a week-long adventure in a campervan? A road trip from Auckland can be the perfect way to use your time while you stop at sights you have never seen and enjoy all New Zealand offers. Our seven-day itinerary takes you on a 265 km trip from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, stopping as you go to see the best sights.
Let’s see what you will see on your journey!
Day 1 – Auckland to Whangaparaoa
Your first day begins with a forty-five minute drive, taking you to an idyllic first stop. Whangaparaoa is a hidden gem of the North Island, with crystal clear views across the Bay of Whales. It is the perfect spot to set up camp and watch dolphins and orcas move through the water.
Aside from watching the water, there are plenty of other sights to see, including:
- Big Manly Beach – for panoramic views and swimming
- Shakespeare Regional Park – for fantastic nature views and native animals and plants
Day 2 – Whangaparaoa to Matakana
The next day, you will have another short forty-five-minute drive that will take you to Matakana. This is the perfect stop for food lovers, with a weekend farmers market, excellent vineyards, and boutique food shops to enjoy. You can expect to take advantage of locally-grown produce, cafes, and wine tours you wouldn’t experience anywhere else. Matakana is a popular weekend break stop for Aucklanders, so make sure you pull over and enjoy all that it has to offer, including:
- Sculptureum – to see over 800 works of art
- Te Hawere-a-Maki/Goat Island – to enjoy its spiritual significance and marine reserve
Day 3 – Matakana to Te Arai
A thirty-minute drive brings you to Te Arai, the perfect pit stop for beach lovers. The white sand beaches are a great place for surfers and paddleboarders, with the sea being calm enough for swimmers, too. If you don’t fancy the sea, there is a sheltered quarry swimming hole with clear waters for you to enjoy.
You can camp in the campground behind the sand dunes and enjoy several species of birds like the Northern New Zealand Dotterel and the New Zealand Fairy Tern. While stopping at Te Arai, we recommend making time for:
- Te Arai Beach – for surfing, relaxing, and appreciating the beautiful view
- Forestry Beach – for quieter evenings and tranquillity by the clear water
Day 4 – Te Arai to Mangawhai
A super short drive awaits you today. While it has only taken you 105 km away from Auckland, you will feel transported to another land. Mangawhai is the northernmost town in the Northland region and is a great spot for tourists. You can enjoy white beaches, fishing and surfing spots, and a thriving art community. The world-class golf courses, fresh-water lakes, and French chocolate factory make this a worthwhile place to visit.
There is so much to do in Mangawhai, but we recommend fitting in:
- Mangawhai Cliff Walk – to see the beautiful peninsula views
- Mangawhai Heads Beach – for surfing, swimming, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the clay formation on the beachfront
Day 5 – Mangawhai to Whangarei
Today’s hour-long drive takes you to Whangarei, where you can enjoy clear beaches, beautiful vistas, and a laid-back vibe. There is plenty to do here, so make sure you get out and explore. You can choose from several walking trails, shops, parks, and even hot springs to relax in after a busy few days. Make the most of your time by enjoying a day on the beach before you head downtown for some food. There are 100 beaches in this one city, making it the perfect place to stop and enjoy some sea air.
During your trip, we recommend visiting:
- Whangarei Falls – to enjoy its beautiful curtain pattern waterfall
- Whangarei Quarry Gardens – to see subtropical gardens, waterfalls, streams, and enjoy native forest walks
Day 6 – Whangarei to Kawakawa
A forty-five-minute drive takes you to Kawakawa, where you can see stunning structures, intricate mosaics, and many more interesting elements of Friedensreich Hundertwasser’s creative designs. Make sure you get out of your campervan and enjoy the following:
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves – to see New Zealand’s famous limestone cave system
- Kawakawa Public Toilets by Hundertwasser – to see the beautiful artwork up close and make use of the facilities
Day 7 – Kawakawa to Paihia
Your final day involves a short fifteen-minute drive that brings you to Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands. There are plenty of activities and amenities for you to enjoy here, whether you want to relax at the beach or grab a bite to eat. Kayaking tours and fishing expeditions are also available. Our favourite things to do include:
- Piercy Island – to tour the rock formation and move through ‘The Hole In The Rock’
- Urupukapuka Island – to explore its archeological sites
Plan Your Campervan Road Trip Today
Now you know the best places to stop and explore on your seven-day trip, it’s time to plan your adventure. Make sure you have everything you need for seven days on the road,d and find cheap rates with Travellers Autobarn in Auckland to keep your trip on budget.
Also read: Beyond the Pilgrimage