The perfect 5-day Northland road trip itinerary for Easter
Summer doesn’t have to be over if you know where to go! Easter and the school holidays are the perfect excuse to head north for a proper break, with warm days lingering and plenty to explore. From island cruises and crystal clear lakes to forest giants and coastal tracks, this relaxed five‑day road trip gives you all the right reasons to stretch the long weekend a little further and continue summer, #NorthlandStyle.
Day 1
Hit the Road and Follow the Welcoming Coast
The journey is all part of the holiday experience so detour off the main route and take The Welcoming Coast through Mangawhai and Waipu. Rolling farmland gives way to sweeping coastal views, incredible eateries, and some of the regions best walking tracks!
Tackle either the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway or the Waipū Coastal Walkway to stretch your legs along the way – Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway is approximately 9km return and is considered one of Department of Conservation’s Best Short Walks in the country, while Waipū Coastal Walkway is shorter and passes by unique rock formations known as the pancake rocks between Waipū Cove and Langs Beach.
Refuel with lunch at the McLeods Pizza Barn and Brewery, an ever-popular casual dining spot in the heart of Waipū. Think hand-rolled pizza bases absolutely loaded with toppings, and “slow” fast food like Spare Ribs, and old-school burgers. Owners (and brothers) Geoff and Clayton have also spent the last decade growing McLeods Brewery into the award-winning craft brewery it is today, so be sure to designate a driver and then sample the epic range of beers on tap like the Longboarder Lager, or the Paradise Pale Ale.
Carry on to Whangārei for the night. There’s plenty of accommodation options from hotels in the city centre, boutique accommodations (especially in coastal towns like Tūtūkākā), incredible glamping set ups on the outskirts of town, and of course classic kiwi holiday parks if you’re camping or campervanning!
Day 2
Explore the Bay of Islands
From Whangārei, continue north toward the iconic Bay of Islands. There’s a reason this is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Northland, with endless marine adventures, rich history and culture, incredible art and artisan offerings, and plenty of walking, hiking, and cycling activities.
If there’s one thing you must include, it’s boarding a boat cruise and spending the day exploring the sheltered bays, island shorelines and marine wildlife of the area. Many cruises stop at Urupukapuka Island, the largest of the 144 islands scattered across the bay. With well‑marked walking tracks, viewpoints, beaches and picnic spots, this is the kind of place you could lose a whole afternoon without trying.
Back on the mainland, base yourself in Paihia, Russell, or Kerikeri for the night. Each has its own charm:
Paihia is the most central and the departure point for most cruises and tours, with a wide range of accommodation.
Russell has a peaceful and historic feel, where you’ll enjoy sunset dinners and boutique accommodations.
Kerikeri is home to some outstanding eateries, fabulous boutiques and plenty of country-style accommodations.
For dinner, try Charlotte’s Kitchen on the Paihia wharf, The Gables in Russell for a waterfront treat, or Māha at Wharepuke in Kerikeri for something secluded and special.
Day 3
Cycle the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Trail
The Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail is one of Northland’s most unforgettable adventures, stretching from the stunning Bay of Islands on the east coast to the picturesque Hokianga Harbour on the west. While it can be completed in as little as two days, if you have just a day to spare, it’s also easily broken up into shorter sections for half or full day adventures.
Two of our favourite sections include:
Kawakawa to Opua and back, which includes a train connection aboard the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway between Taumarere Station and Whangae Platform.
Okaihau to Horeke which is the most remote section of the trail, and includes some fun switchbacks to travel down to the cycle alongside the Utakura River.
Bike hire is available at multiple locations along the trail, making it easy to piece together a ride that suits your energy levels and other travel plans.
Top tip: If you're not a regular cyclist be sure to include a soak at Ngawha Springs after your ride. It's the perfect way to soothe your muscles, revitalise your spirit, and relax!
Day 4
Ancient Forests of the Hokianga
Day 4 is all about the west coast of Northland, exploring the relaxed pace of life in the Hokianga Harbour and connecting with nature.
There are some great natural landscapes to explore here including Wairere Boulders Nature Reserve (a valley of huge volcanic boulders where you can kayak, walk, swim and even camp), and Arai Te Uru Recreational Reserve (great views of the harbour and coast). However, the most important and impressive is the Waipoua Forest, home to Tāne Mahuta, the largest kauri tree in the world!
The best way to experience the Waipoua Forest is with a twilight tour with Footprints Waipoua. You’ll walk into the forest at dusk, seeing nature transform as day turns to night and hear unforgettable legends and stories of the forest from your local Māori guide.
Day 5
The Kauri Coast and Kai Iwi Lakes
Begin the final day by exploring more of the Kauri Coast. An unmissable spot on this side of Northland is Kai Iwi Lakes – crystal clear freshwater dune lakes which invite you to dive in from the moment you spot them. Proceed carefully though, the freshwater is less bouyant than saltwater and the lake bottom drops off quickly. The depth and clarity is part of what gives them such a vibrant blue colour.
Other great explorations include heading out to Ripiro Beach via one of the popular entry points like Omamari or Baylys Beach, or including a visit to the Kauri Museum, Northland’s largest undercover attraction which tells the past, present and future of kauri.