The Perfect 5-Day Northland Road Trip Itinerary
A relaxed five-day road trip taking in island cruises, crystal-clear lakes, ancient forest giants, and coastal walking tracks, everything that makes Northland worth the drive north.
Day 1
Hit the Road and Follow the Welcoming Coast
Detour off the main route onto The Welcoming Coast through Mangawhai and Waipū. Rolling farmland gives way to sweeping coastal views, great eateries, and some of the region's best walking tracks.
Tackle either the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway (about 9km return, rated one of DOC's Best Short Walks) or the shorter Waipū Coastal Walkway, which passes the “pancake rocks” between Waipū Cove and Langs Beach.
Refuel at McLeods Pizza Barn and Brewery in Waipū, hand-rolled pizzas, slow-food classics, and an award-winning range of craft beers (designate a driver if you're sampling the Longboarder Lager or Paradise Pale Ale).
Continue on to Whangārei for the night, hotels in the city centre, boutique stays around Tūtūkākā, glamping on the outskirts, or classic holiday parks.
Day 2
Explore the Bay of Islands
Head north to the Bay of Islands. Board a boat cruise to explore the sheltered bays, island shorelines, and marine wildlife, many stop at Urupukapuka Island, the largest of the bay's 144 islands, with walking tracks, viewpoints, beaches, and picnic spots.
Base yourself for the night in Paihia (central, main departure point for cruises), Russell (peaceful, historic, sunset dinners), or Kerikeri (great eateries and boutiques).
For dinner: Charlotte's Kitchen on the Paihia wharf, The Gables in Russell, or Māha at Wharepuke in Kerikeri.
Day 3
Cycle the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Trail
Ride part of the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail, running from the Bay of Islands to the Hokianga Harbour. It can be done in as little as two days or broken into shorter sections:
- Kawakawa to Opua and back, with a train connection on the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway.
- Okaihau to Horeke, the trail's most remote stretch, with switchbacks alongside the Utakura River.
Bike hire is available along the route. If you're not a regular cyclist, finish with a soak at Ngawha Springs.
Day 4
Ancient Forests of the Hokianga
Explore the west coast around Hokianga Harbour: Wairere Boulders Nature Reserve (kayaking, walking, swimming, camping among huge volcanic boulders), Arai Te Uru Recreational Reserve (harbour and coastal views), and the Waipoua Forest, home to Tāne Mahuta, the world's largest kauri tree.
Best experienced with a twilight tour by Footprints Waipoua. walking into the forest at dusk with a local Māori guide sharing stories and legends.
Day 5
The Kauri Coast and Kai Iwi Lakes
Visit Kai Iwi Lakes, clear freshwater dune lakes (note: freshwater is less buoyant than sea water and the lake bottom drops off quickly, so take care).
Round out the trip at Ripiro Beach via Omamari or Baylys Beach, or visit the Kauri Museum, Northland's largest indoor attraction covering the past, present, and future of kauri.