New Zealand’s North Island is made for road trips. Volcanic landscapes, wild coastlines, geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and world-class food and wine all sit within a few hours’ drive of each other.
Everyone travels a bit differently, with their own interests and style. That’s why at CamperMate we’re launching a new themed travel series to help you explore the North Island in a way that suits you best.
No matter what types of food, landscapes, culture, or adventures you love, these itineraries are designed to shape your trip around what you enjoy most.
Instead of just driving from point A to point B, you can now travel through stories.
🧭 Jump to section
From coastlines to volcanoes, every route tells its own story. Choose a section below to start exploring and plan your trip as you go.
🌏 Launching Our Themed Road Trip Series |
🍽️ Foodie Road Trip Trails of the North Island |
🦪 Top of the North |
🌋 Central North |
🍷 Bottom of the North |
🍷 Classic New Zealand Wine Trail |
🚗 Iconic North Island Road Trips |
🌿 Twin Coast Discovery Highway |
🌋 Thermal Explorer Highway |
🌊 Pacific Coast Highway |
🌋 Volcanic Loop Highway |
🛤️ Forgotten World Highway |
🌊 Surf Highway 45 |
🚐 Start Your Themed North Island Road Trip
🍽️ Foodie Road Trip Trails of the North Island
Food is one of the best ways to experience the North Island. These three regional foodie trails are part of the Taste of the North experience, helping you explore the Kiwi North one bite at a time.
🦪 Top of the North: Coastal Kai & Fresh Seafood
The far north is defined by ocean-fresh produce and relaxed coastal dining.
From the edges of Auckland through Northland, food here is simple, fresh, and deeply connected to place.
Foodie highlights:
- Fresh oysters from the Bay of Islands
- Traditional Māori kai and hangi experiences
- Coastal fish and chips
- Subtropical roadside produce stalls
🌋 Central North: Volcanic Flavours & Urban Eats
The central North Island blends geothermal landscapes with bold, creative food scenes.
Start in Auckland and travel through Rotorua, Taupō, and surrounding regions.
Foodie highlights:
- Māori fusion dining experiences
- Geothermal cooking traditions
- Craft breweries and taprooms
- Street food markets and lakefront cafés
🍷 Bottom of the North: Wine Country & Coastal Dining
The southern North Island is the most refined foodie region, built around wine, agriculture, and coastal dining.
Start your journey in Wellington and travel through to Hawke’s Bay and beyond.
Foodie highlights:
- Martinborough wine tastings
- Hawke’s Bay vineyard dining
- Artisan producers and farm-to-table cuisine
- Waterfront dining in Napier
🍷 Classic New Zealand Wine Trail
5 Days | 380 km
The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a slow travel journey through wine country.
Perfect for long lunches, vineyard stops, and scenic drives. The multi-day touring route is self-guided and takes you through four key regions, three of which account for more than 80% of New Zealand's wine production. You'll visit Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa and Wellington, and if you head south on the ferry - Marlborough.
Highlights:
- Boutique wineries and cellar doors
- Artisan food producers
- Vineyard cycling routes
👉 Get Your Classic New Zealand Wine Trail Itinerary
🚗 Iconic North Island Road Trips
These highways form the backbone of your themed adventures across the North Island.
🌿 Twin Coast Discovery Highway
6 Days | 695 km
Journey along both the eastern and western coastlines of New Zealand’s warmest region and uncover a stunning variety of beaches, coastal landscapes, and ocean-based experiences.
Take your time exploring scenic walking tracks and cycling routes that weave through the region, and visit landmarks of cultural and historical importance. Highlights include Tāne Mahuta, the legendary kauri tree in Waipoua Forest, the sweeping sands of 90 Mile Beach, and Waitangi—widely regarded as the birthplace of modern New Zealand.
Highlights:
- Coastal walks and cycling trails
- Secluded beaches
- Māori cultural heritage
👉 Get Your Twin Coast Discovery Highway Itinerary
🌋 Thermal Explorer Highway
4 Days | 454 km
Step into another world as you travel through the central North Island along the Thermal Explorer Highway.
Along the way, uncover extraordinary natural wonders—from glowworm-lit caves that feel almost otherworldly, to exhilarating jet boat rides through dramatic river landscapes. Finish your journey by witnessing powerful geothermal activity up close, including erupting geysers and steaming hot springs that showcase the region’s raw energy.
Highlights:
- Rotorua geothermal parks
- Māori cultural experiences
- Volcanic lakes and landscapes
🌊 Pacific Coast Highway
7 Days | 1,104 km
Follow the east coast’s stunning shoreline and uncover a mix of coastal gems and hidden seaside escapes, including Mount Maunganui—regularly celebrated as one of New Zealand’s best beaches.
Journey between Auckland and Napier as you pass through a diverse landscape of sparkling lakes, rich wildlife habitats, rolling vineyards, and peaceful lagoons, each offering a different glimpse of the region’s natural beauty.
Highlights:
- Surf beaches and lagoons
- Wildlife reserves
- Hawke’s Bay wine region
👉 Get Your Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary
🌋 Volcanic Loop Highway
7 Days |747 km
From scenic vineyards and adrenaline-filled adventures to glowing caves and dramatic geothermal landscapes, this itinerary showcases some of the North Island’s most remarkable experiences.
Travel the Volcanic Loop and take in an incredible range of highlights—hike the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, experience the thrill of skydiving from 15,000 feet, and step into the magical world of Hobbiton™ Movie Set along the way.
Highlights:
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Skydiving experiences
- Hobbiton™ Movie Set
🛤️ Forgotten World Highway
3 Days | 150 km
New Zealand’s oldest heritage route, the Forgotten World Highway is a remote and atmospheric journey through some of the country’s most intriguing landscapes.
Winding for 155 kilometres, the road takes you through rugged countryside, historic settlements, and a range of natural and cultural landmarks that tell the story of the region’s past.
Whether you experience it as a leisurely three-hour drive or turn it into a relaxed weekend escape, the Forgotten World Highway offers a truly unique and memorable adventure.
Highlights:
- Tunnel roads through rugged valleys
- Ghost towns
- Historic settlements
👉 Get Your Forgotten World Highway Itinerary
🌊 Surf Highway 45
4 Days | 105 km
With sweeping views of rolling ocean swells along Taranaki’s curved coastline, the Surf Highway is a paradise for surfers and coastal explorers alike.
But it’s more than just waves. Venture slightly inland to discover Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki (Egmont National Park), or take your time exploring the region’s vibrant arts scene, including local galleries, creative studios, and roadside exhibitions that showcase Taranaki’s artistic spirit.
Highlights:
- Black sand beaches
- Surf breaks
- Mount Taranaki views
👉 Get Your Surf Highway 45 Itinerary
🚐 Start Your Themed North Island Road Trip
The best North Island road trips aren’t just about ticking off destinations — they’re about discovering the version of New Zealand that feels most like you.
Whether that means chasing surf breaks along wild coastlines, soaking in geothermal landscapes, tasting your way through wine country, or connecting with rich Māori culture, there’s a route waiting to match your travel style.
With CamperMate, you can turn inspiration into an easy-to-plan adventure:
- Find campsites along every major route
- Discover hidden food spots, scenic stops, and local favourites
- Explore themed itineraries built around what you love
- Travel deeper, not just further
So, where will your story begin?
And what memories will you make next?
