21 Days in New Zealand’s North Island Itinerary: Our Campervan Road Trip Adventure

There’s something about New Zealand that just keeps pulling us back.

We first road-tripped the North Island back in 2016, but in early 2025, we returned. This time, for three weeks, in a campervan, with Wade’s parents in tow. It felt like rediscovering magic we already knew was there.

This trip was extra special because it was Wade’s parents’ first international trip. It was actually Wade’s dad’s first time ever on an aeroplane. Seeing their excitement, wonder, and curiosity at every stop made the experience even more meaningful for us.

We’d been dreaming of sharing the van life experience with them, and the North Island delivered: dramatic coastlines, black sand beaches, ancient forests, thermal pools, and some of the most peaceful campsites we’ve ever stayed at.

This wasn’t a trip about ticking off the must-sees (although we did plenty of those too). It was about slowing down, soaking it in, and making memories with family, between the steaming mugs of tea overlooking empty beaches and the late-night card games in our cozy vans.

If you’re thinking about exploring the North Island by camper, here’s what we did—and what we loved most.

✨Trip Highlights:

• Soaking in the Ngawha hot springs
• Discovering the Maori Carvings
• Getting goosebumps at Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of NZ
• Sharing the magic of Hobbiton with Wade’s parents
• Chasing waterfalls, steam vents, carvings, and sunsets every step of the way

Day 1: Auckland to Orewa – Our vans, our home

We landed in Auckland early afternoon, still a bit groggy from the flight, and went straight to pick up our campervans — our homes for the next 3 weeks. There’s something special about that first drive out of the rental lot. The freedom hits all at once.

We stocked up on supplies (yes, snacks were high on the list), then made our way to Orewa Beach Holiday Park. It was our first night back on the road, and watching the sun dip below the horizon with our vans parked just metres from the sand? That’s the kind of moment you don’t forget.

🛏️ Stayed at: Orewa Beach Holiday Park – $50 powered site

☕ Vibe: Easy, coastal, the perfect gentle welcome back to van life

Day 2: Orewa to Kawakawa – Waterfalls & Northland gems

Day two took us up to Northland, and it was pure magic. Our first stop was Whangārei Falls (free admission), and even though we’d been here years ago, it was still special. There’s just something about a waterfall in the morning light that makes you feel like you’ve made the right choice with your life.

Next up: Matapouri Beach. It’s often called Northland’s most beautiful beach, and we’d have to agree. Picture white sand, turquoise water, and barely a soul in sight. It was the kind of place you end up staying longer than planned. 

We ended the day in Kawakawa and found a sweet little free camp behind the library at Te Hononga. Free, a bit busy but quiet, and surprisingly cute. Just the way we like it.

🛏️ Stayed at: Te Hononga Free Camp (behind the library)

🏞️ Highlight: Matapouri Beach—pack a picnic and don’t rush it

Day 3: Russell & the Bay of Islands – Seaside charm & ferries

We were up early to catch the ferry to Russell, one of New Zealand’s oldest towns. There’s something so charming about it, the heritage buildings, the water views, the slow rhythm of the place.

We sipped tea at Tapeka Point (a little ritual of ours while in New Zealand — tea with a view), then started the hike up to Tapeka View Point. The four of us began the trail together, but Wade’s parents turned back partway through—it was just a bit too steep for his mum’s knees. Totally understandable, and they were more than happy relaxing and enjoying the view from below while we continued to the top.

🥾 Note: The walk isn’t overly long, but it’s quite steep in parts. If you’ve got knee issues or aren’t feeling super active, you might want to skip it—or just go halfway for a still-gorgeous lookout.

We wandered the town, soaked in the sunshine, and stopped for lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants—fresh seafood, cold drinks, and the best view in town. After that, we took the ferry back to the mainland.

That evening, we camped right on Tokerau Beach—another free camp with million-dollar views. We parked up, opened a bottle of wine, and watched the sky turn to fire. Honestly? One of those pinch-me kind of days.

🛏️ Stayed at: Tokerau Beach Freedom Camp (free)

🌅 Best moment: Tea with a view + one the best free camps we have ever stayed at! 

Day 4: Cape Reinga – The top of the North

This was one of those days that reminded us why we love road tripping so much. We headed all the way up to the very top of the North Island—Cape Reinga. The drive itself was beautiful, winding through remote landscapes that made us feel like we had the whole country to ourselves.

Cape Reinga is a must. There’s a spiritual stillness up there, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, and the Māori believe it’s where spirits begin their journey to the afterlife. Standing by the lighthouse, looking out at that endless view—it gave us goosebumps.

We stopped for tea (again!) at Tapotupotu Bay and later hit up the Giant Sand Dunes and Rarawa Beach for lunch. We stayed the night at a basic $10 camp in Broadwood—it wasn’t the most scenic spot we stayed at, but it did the job.

🛏️ Stayed at: Broadwood North Hokianga A&P Camp – $10

Day 5: Hot Springs & slow mornings – Ngawha Springs

This was a bit of a reset day. We’d been on the move a lot, so we treated ourselves to a 2-hour soak at Ngawha Springs—$34 per person and worth every cent. 

There are over a dozen different pools here, each with its own quirky name and distinct vibe, ranging in temperature from about 35°C to 45°C. Some were perfect for lounging, while others… well, let’s just say we tried to get in, but it felt like being a chicken breast in a hot pot. We all dipped a toe into one of the hottest pools and made a dramatic exit about two seconds later.

Still, it was such a unique experience—rustic, local, and surrounded by nature. 

We then drove south to Matakohe and camped at a little holiday park. Powered site, showers, a chance to recharge everything (including ourselves).

🛏️ Stayed at: Matakohe Holiday Park – $50 powered site

🧖‍♀️ Highlight: Geothermal pools

Day 6: Back in Auckland – City views and old favourites

We made our way back down to Auckland and stopped first at North Head for coastal views. You can walk through old tunnels and bunkers up there—and the view across the harbour is stunning.

Mount Eden was our next stop. Even after seeing it in 2016, it still has that wow factor. It’s an easy climb, and the crater at the top is so unique. 

That night, we parked up at Wade’s family’s place in Huntly—but this wasn’t just a convenient camp stop. Wade’s mum hadn’t seen them since she left New Zealand over 30 years ago. Reuniting after so long made it such a special and emotional night. Lots of hugs, stories, a home cooked meal and a few happy tears too.

🛏️ Stayed at: Family home in Huntly – free

💡 Tip: Don’t skip the Mount Eden lookout—it’s especially good at sunset.

Day 7: Whānau time in Huntly

Day seven wasn’t about sightseeing. It was about connection. We spent the day catching up with Wade’s family in Huntly, drinking too much coffee, eating way too much good food, sharing stories, and recharging. It was simple and slow, and just what we needed halfway through the trip.

🛏️ Stayed at: Family home in Huntly – free

📸 Favourite moment: Sitting out in the backyard with a cuppa, doing absolutely nothing.

Day 8: Glowworms, black sand & ancient giants

We said goodbye to family and headed toward one of the most magical experiences of the whole trip: the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. We’d done it back in 2016 and couldn’t wait to do it again—this time with Wade’s parents. Floating through the dark, looking up at a galaxy of glowing lights on the cave ceiling… it never gets old. Totally surreal and 100% worth it.

Before that, we stopped at Raglan Beach for a quick stroll on the black sand. There’s something so moody and wild about those west coast beaches that we love.

Later, on the way to our camp, we made a quick detour to visit Tāne Mahuta—literally “Lord of the Forest.” He’s the largest known Kauri tree in New Zealand, and standing beneath him is humbling. Photos don’t do it justice.

🛏️ Stayed at: Juno Hall powered site – $40

🌟 Must-do: The Glowworm Caves. It’s touristy for a reason. Just go.

Day 9: Sea stacks & freedom camps – New Plymouth

On Day 9, we made our way to New Plymouth with a few scenic stops along the way. The Three Sisters and Elephant Rock were the standouts, even on a cloudy day like we had. Towering sea stacks that feel like something out of a fantasy movie. You’ll want to time your visit for low tide, or you might not be able to access them!

We parked at a freedom camp in Waverley that night. It was peaceful, with the sound of waves in the background and plenty of space to spread out.

🛏️ Stayed at: Waverley Freedom Camp – free

📷 Don’t miss: The Three Sisters walk at low tide—absolutely stunning.

Day 10: Wanganui – Elevators & river town charm

This day was a little quirky in the best way. We explored Wanganui, a town that surprised us with its charm and history. 

The Durie Hill Elevator—which has been operating since 1919, making it over 100 years old—was such a fun detour. It takes you through a tunnel carved into the hill (we didn’t do the tour but were lucky enough to step in the elevator for a picture). Next to the elevator there is a lookout tower with panoramic views over the town and river – a must! 

We parked up at Evans Bay Freedom Camp—another freebie that felt like it should’ve cost more. Beach views, plenty of space, and the kind of quiet you only find in places like this.

🛏️ Stayed at: Evans Bay Freedom Camp – free

🎢 Fun fact: The Durie Hill Elevator has been running since 1919!

Day 11: Wellington – Cable cars & capital chaos

We reached Wellington just as the weekend crowd hit. It was BUSY. Instead of battling the traffic and crowds, we made a quick stop at the famous Wellington Cable Car, took in the view, then decided to head out and skip the chaos.

The city looked beautiful, but after so many days of peaceful coastal towns and remote beaches, we weren’t quite ready for city energy again. Instead, we camped at Flat Hills Tourist Park, about an hour out of town. It was $49 for a powered site and had a cafe, sheep, and cute little walking trails.

🛏️ Stayed at: Flat Hills Cafe & Tourist Park – $49

🚗 Travel tip: If big cities stress you out in a van, plan for a “just outside the city” stay like we did.

Day 12: Craters, volcanoes & that McDonald’s

We left our camp early and headed to Craters of the Moon near Taupō. This thermal wonderland felt like another planet—steam hissing from the earth, bubbling mud, and surreal landscapes. Entry was just $10 per person, and we loved how accessible the whole trail was.

On the way, we pulled over for a roadside photo op with Mount Ruapehu in the distance—do NOT skip this. We also made a very important detour: the famous Taupō McDonald’s that’s consistently ranked one of the coolest in the world… because it has a plane in the playground. Yep… 

We wrapped up the day at Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve. Free, quiet, and nestled by the water—it felt like wild camping without actually roughing it.

🛏️ Stayed at: Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve – free

🔥 Worth it: Craters of the Moon – budget-friendly and otherworldly

Day 13: Carvings on the lake

One of our favourite, slow-paced mornings. We booked the 10:30am Ernest Kemp tour to see the Māori rock carvings on Lake Taupō. It’s such a peaceful ride and a great way to learn more about the region’s cultural history.

Afterwards, we made our way toward Rotorua, with a powered site booked at Tasman Holiday Park. A little pricier than our usual stops, but with parents on board, it was nice to plug in and reset.

🛏️ Stayed at: Tasman Holiday Park, Rotorua – $55 powered

🚤 Do it: The Ernest Kemp boat tour—gentle, scenic, and unique

Day 14: Hobbiton dreams come true

We’ve both been to Hobbiton before, but getting to experience it again through someone else’s eyes (hi, Wade’s parents) was honestly even more special. We did the 11:10am tour with the lunch combo and it was epic. The attention to detail, the storytelling—it’s magic, even if you’re not a hardcore LOTR fan.

We stayed at Brocks Place that night—just $10 per person for a non-powered site. Super basic but peaceful.

🛏️ Stayed at: Brocks Place – $10 pp non-powered

🧝‍♀️ Geek out: Hobbiton is worth the hype (and the splurge)

Day 15: Mount Maunganui & Copenhagen Cones

We had planned to climb Mount Maunganui—the view from the top is meant to be unreal—but Wade’s mum was having some trouble with her knees, so we decided to skip it. Honestly, no regrets. One of the best things about travelling with family is adjusting the plan and enjoying the little moments instead.

We still wandered around the base, took in the ocean breeze, and made sure to stop at Copenhagen Cones—arguably the best ice cream of the trip.

Earlier in the day, we’d also walked around Kuirau Park in Rotorua. Think bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and free public footbaths—super accessible and totally free.

🛏️ Stayed at: Island View Freedom Camping – free

🍦 Highlight: Copenhagen Cones—just trust us

Day 16: Cathedral Cove (kind of)

This day was a classic NZ mix of wins and wildcards. We stopped at Pokohino Beach for a beautiful little walk (around 20 minutes to reach the shore) before continuing toward Hot Water Beach. You HAVE to bring a shovel for this one—dig yourself a DIY spa pool right in the sand!

We had planned to walk down to Cathedral Cove, but the trail was closed due to safety concerns. Instead, we went up to Shakespeare Cliff Lookout and explored Lonely Bay nearby. Not a bad Plan B at all.

🛏️ Stayed at: Cooks Beach Resort – $48 powered site

📍 Alternate plan: Shakespeare Cliff Lookout—views for days

Day 17: Tiny trains & big smiles

We started the day with the Driving Creek Railway tour at 11:15am. It’s quirky and unexpectedly beautiful—a narrow-gauge train zigzagging through lush native forest with pottery sculptures tucked into the hillsides. Adults and kids alike will love it.

We freedom camped that night right on the beach at Waiomu. Another gem that proves some of the best spots cost absolutely nothing.

🛏️ Stayed at: Waiomu Beachfront Freedom Camping – free

🚂 Worth it: Driving Creek Railway—short, sweet, and scenic

Day 18: A reset day in Miranda

After weeks of moving non-stop, we took a rest day. Did laundry, caught up on work, and stayed at a holiday park in Miranda. Not much to report… but it was much needed. If you’re doing a long road trip, build in days like this. Trust us.

🛏️ Stayed at: Tasman Holiday Park Miranda – $65 powered

🧘‍♂️ Vibe: Recharge, refuel, repeat

Days 19–20: Back to Huntly

We wrapped up the final stretch of the trip back where we started—with family. These last two days were about packing up, soaking in the last moments, and saying goodbye (to both the trip and the freedom of life on the road). These slower days might not look impressive on a travel map, but they’re always the ones that stay with us the longest.

🛏️ Stayed at: Family home in Huntly – free

❤️ Reflection: Van life + family time = everything we love in one place

Day 21: Goodbye for now

We handed back the keys to the vans and boarded our flight home, already talking about when we’d come back. New Zealand has that effect—it’s a place that quietly finds a way into your soul and makes you want to return the second you leave.

Want to Follow Our Exact Route?

We’ve created a detailed Google Map + itinerary guide so you can follow in our exact tire tracks. It includes:

🏕️ Over 140 pinned spots: campsites, hikes, beaches, viewpoints, cafes, and more

🛏️ Every place we slept—free and powered

📍 Our full 21-day itinerary, with personal tips at each stop

📱 Filterable layers, lifetime access, and ongoing updates

🎉 Grab it here: New Zealand North Island: The Ultimate Guide w/ Our 21 Day Trip Itinerary – $19.95

It’s the exact resource we wish we had when we planned our first trip!