Find Your Kiwi North - New Zealand North Island

Find Your Kiwi North

Savour the flavours of an authentic Aotearoa road trip with CamperMate. Discover the North Island's hidden treasures from its stunning landscapes, and ancient kauri forests to volcanic peaks and golden beaches. Taste your way through rustic roadside bakeries, world-class wineries, fresh coastal seafood, and lively craft breweries. One bite, one sip, one experience at a time—you'll find your own North in a magic place.

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Regional Eats: Three Road Trips to Find Your North

Choose your adventure and explore New Zealand's North Island through three incredible journeys

Stunning Landscapes

Regional Flavours

Cosy Campsites

Top of the North - Coast & Cape Adventure

Find your North where the road hugs the coast and every stop reveals something new. From the northernmost tip of Aotearoa through Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Coromandel, this journey is guided by the sea.

Discover Where Coastal Magic Begins

Northland

Beachside cafés, iconic local bakeries, and breweries await in the Far North.

Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

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Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

Food & BeverageKaitaia, Northland

Peekaboo Backyard Eatery in Kaitāia is officially a hidden gem in Taitokerau Northland. Crowned Supreme Winner, Sustainability Champion Award winner, and Best Cafe in the 2025 Hospitality Awards. This eatery has a ge…

Visit Peekaboo Backyard Eatery →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Auckland

City favourites and neighbourhood gems—great coffee, casual eats, and waterfront dining.

The Riverhead Tavern

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The Riverhead Tavern

Food & BeverageRiverhead, Auckland

Nestled on the upper reaches of the Waitematā Harbour, The Riverhead has been a cornerstone of New Zealand hospitality for over 160 years. From fishermen and farmers to clergymen and constables, generations have gathere…

Visit The Riverhead Tavern →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Coromandel

Relaxed coastal eateries, local pubs, and must-try stops along the peninsula.

Lukes Kitchen

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Lukes Kitchen

Food & BeverageWhitianga, Coromandel

Situated in the laid back village of Kuaotunu; Luke’s Kitchen is a rustic seaside restaurant creating a hub for locals, tourists and families. What started with just Luke, a couple of tables and a conventional oven ha…

Visit Lukes Kitchen →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Waikato

Road trip-friendly cafés, bakeries, and local favourites across the region.

Raglan Fish Shop

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Raglan Fish Shop

Food & BeverageRaglan, Waikato

A must-visit for seafood lovers, this popular Raglan fish and chip shop is known for serving fresh, locally sourced fish cooked to order. A standout feature is the option to choose your fish straight from the seafood co…

Visit Raglan Fish Shop →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Coastal Bay of Plenty

Sunny beaches, fresh seafood, and vibrant café culture.

Flatwhite Waihi Beach

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Flatwhite Waihi Beach

Food & BeverageWaihi Beach, Coastal Bay of Plenty

Flatwhite, Waihi Beach is a stunning, absolute beachfront restaurant & venue. Open 7 days from 8am till late, 361 days of the year. Serving great coffee, delicious eats & treats and beachy vibes.

Visit Flatwhite Waihi Beach →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Central North Island - Volcanoes & Vines

Find your North in the heart of the island, where geothermal heat, alpine air, and fertile land define the journey. From Rotorua's steaming lakes to Hawke's Bay vineyards and Ruapehu's mountain cafés, this road trip blends powerful landscapes with food that tells the story of the whenua.

Where Fire & Flavour Create Magic

Rotorua

Iconic Rotorua eateries, lakeside dining, and standout cafés perfect between geothermal stops.

The Mains at On The Point - Lake Rotorua

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The Mains at On The Point - Lake Rotorua

Food & BeverageRotorua, Rotorua

The lodge’s restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience in Rotorua, where locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce take centre stage. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the region’s flavours,…

Visit The Mains at On The Point - Lake Rotorua →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Gisborne

Local favourites highlighting fresh produce, relaxed dining, and coastal vibes.

Tahu

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Tahu

Food & BeverageGisborne, Gisborne

Located on the shores of Midway Beach with sweeping views looking out across the breathtaking coastline, Tahu stands out in Gisborne’s restaurant scene for many reasons. The embodiment of food and feasting and a remind…

Visit Tahu →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Taupō

Lakefront dining, casual eats, and must-stop cafés for road trippers.

Market Central

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Market Central

Food & BeverageTaupo, Taupo

Market Central Taupo is a vibrant Sunday farmers and crafts market set beside Lake Taupo, offering stunning mountain views and a lively community atmosphere. Focused on supporting local growers, makers, and small busi…

Visit Market Central →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Ruapehu

Cosy alpine cafés, pubs, and local stops—ideal after a day outdoors.

Bradley's Garden

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Bradley's Garden

Food & BeverageTaumarunui, Ruapehu

Choose from Devonshire Tea or a decadent Wine & Cheese platter at the award-winning Bradley's Garden that you can pre-book - bonus Park over Property for RVs or Caravans. Bradley’s Garden offers a serene country settin…

Visit Bradley's Garden →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Hawke's Bay

Winery restaurants, artisan food spots, and classic regional favourites.

Two Taniwha Street Food

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Two Taniwha Street Food

Food & BeverageWaipukurau, Hawke's Bay

Home to the Pukana Burger, Two Taniwha provides delicious freshly cooked street food including burgers, wraps, roast rolls, pizza slices & beverages from a bright yellow 40 foot shipping container on the Main Street in…

Visit Two Taniwha Street Food →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Lower North Island - Capital & Coast Explorer

Find your North between rugged coastlines and creative cities. This route weaves through Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū, Wairarapa and Wellington, balancing wild beaches with café culture and regional produce.

Uncover the Magic of City & Sea

Taranaki

Local cafés, bakeries, and regional favourites with strong road trip appeal.

Bratwurst Bros

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Bratwurst Bros

Food & BeverageUrenui, Taranaki

Bratwurst Bros Uruti is a butchery and rest stop located on State Highway 3 in Uruti, New Zealand. The butchery sells a variety of German-style sausages, as well as other meats and deli products. The rest stop has a caf…

Visit Bratwurst Bros →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Whanganui

Classic cafés, bakeries, and relaxed dining along the river and coast.

Whanganui River Markets

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Whanganui River Markets

Food & BeverageWhanganui, Whanganui

Every Saturday year-round - - Bestowed kai for the best gourmet porridge - Devine Treats - amazing sweet treats - Neihana's floaters - Locally owned and operated Food Trailer selling Traditional Māori Fry Bread (Parā…

Visit Whanganui River Markets →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Manawatu

Road trip-friendly cafés, bakeries, and local produce-driven spots.

The Strong Room

Featured for the comp

The Strong Room

Food & BeverageFeilding, Manawatu

A strong choice for a relaxed meal in Feilding, this venue is a popular local spot that's always happy to see you. A restaurant, bar, and event space are all under one roof. The Strong Room is always visible in the Fei…

Visit The Strong Room →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Wairarapa

Winery restaurants, artisan food producers, and village favourites.

Homewood Storeroom

Featured for the comp

Homewood Storeroom

Food & BeverageMasterton, Wairarapa

Homewood Storeroom, an easy 15-minute drive from Riversdale, provides rural hospitality combined with flair for good food and local produce. Homewood Storeroom is all about local, high quality food. Chef Paddy grew up…

Visit Homewood Storeroom →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Wellington

Capital-city dining highlights, café culture, and waterfront favourites.

Flight Coffee Hangar Cafe

Featured for the comp

Flight Coffee Hangar Cafe

Food & BeverageWellington, Wellington

Flight Coffee Hangar is a Wellington cafe celebrated for specialty coffee, all-day brunch, and a welcoming community atmosphere. The cafe serves award-winning coffee alongside fresh, seasonal dishes crafted with bold fl…

Visit Flight Coffee Hangar Cafe →

Food & Beverage Highlights

Must-stop eats and drinks in this region

Things to Do

Hikes, water activities, scenic spots, and attractions

Campsites & Holiday Parks

Both free and paid camping options

Field notes from the road

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