The Northland region — the long peninsula that stretches north from Auckland toward Cape Reinga — is one of New Zealand’s most culturally significant and least-visited areas. Most international tourists head straight to the South Island. The ones who go north find a different New Zealand: subtropical beaches, ancient kauri forests, Maori culture at its most intact, and the symbolic tip of the country where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.
This route is ideal as a first leg out of Auckland, or as a round trip before heading south.
The Route at a Glance
Auckland — Paihia (Bay of Islands) — Kerikeri — Kaitaia — Cape Reinga — 90 Mile Beach — Dargaville — Warkworth — Auckland
Total distance: ~900 km loop | Recommended: 7-10 days | Best season: November-April
Day 1-2: Auckland to Bay of Islands (~240 km, 3 hrs)
Head north on SH1 through the Northland plains. Paihia is the main base for the Bay of Islands — 144 islands in a sheltered harbour, consistently warm water, and the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 (the founding document of modern New Zealand).
- Treaty of Waitangi: The grounds and museum are genuinely important. Allow 2-3 hours. Entry fee applies.
- Island cruises: Day trips to uninhabited islands, the famous Hole in the Rock (a sea cave you cruise through), and dolphin watching.
- Russell: The first European settlement in NZ — a short ferry ride from Paihia. Small, historic, excellent fish and chips.
- Kerikeri: 20 minutes from Paihia. New Zealand’s oldest stone building, good farmers market, and excellent citrus fruit in season.
Freedom camping: Numerous DOC sites around the Bay of Islands. Haruru Falls Reserve near Paihia is popular.
Day 3-4: Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga (~200 km)
The road north from Kaitaia passes through flat farmland before the peninsula narrows and the landscape becomes more dramatic. Cape Reinga is the northernmost accessible point of New Zealand — a lighthouse on a headland where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean visibly collide in a line of turbulence below.
For Maori, Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) is the departure point of the spirits of the dead on their journey to the ancestral homeland. It’s a spiritually significant place before it’s a tourist attraction.
- The lighthouse walk takes 30 minutes from the carpark
- Go early morning for the best light and fewest people
- Swimming at the cape is not recommended — strong currents
Freedom camping: Spirits Bay (Piwhane) DOC campsite just before Cape Reinga is one of the most remote and beautiful in the North Island. Book ahead.
Day 5: 90 Mile Beach
Despite the name, 90 Mile Beach is actually 88 km long — still one of the longest beaches in New Zealand, a flat expanse of sand dune and surf running down the west coast of Northland. Some rental vehicles are permitted to drive on the beach itself (check your rental agreement — we advise against it with our vans due to tidal risk and sand damage). Sandboarding on the Te Paki dunes near Cape Reinga is the highlight and is free.
Day 6-7: Waipoua Forest — Ancient Kauri
The kauri forests of Northland are among the most ancient in the world. Tane Mahuta — the largest living kauri tree — stands in Waipoua Forest and is estimated to be 1,250-2,500 years old. It’s a short boardwalk from the road. Te Matua Ngahere (Father of the Forest) is a shorter but wider tree a bit further in.
Kauri dieback disease is a serious threat — you must clean your footwear before and after each walk. Cleaning stations are provided at all trailheads. This is not optional.
Day 8: Dargaville and the Return to Auckland
Dargaville is a small town on the Northern Wairoa River, known for kauri gum and smoked fish. The Kauri Museum at Matakohe (an hour south) is excellent — the story of the timber industry that cleared most of Northland’s kauri forests in the 19th century.
From Matakohe, SH1 south takes you back through Warkworth and into Auckland. Or detour through the Matakana wine region (good farmers market on Saturdays) and the Tawharanui Regional Park for beaches and wildlife.
Practical Tips
- Petrol: Fill up in Kaitaia before heading to Cape Reinga — no fuel at the cape.
- Sandflies: Less of an issue than the West Coast but present at some campsites. Bring repellent.
- Weather: Northland is subtropical but not immune to rain. Summer is reliably warm. Winter (June-August) is mild but wetter.
- Kauri dieback: Clean boots at every trailhead without exception.
Starting From Auckland
If you’re flying into Auckland, this route is a perfect first week before heading south. We offer pick-up in Auckland and drop-off in Christchurch — or Queenstown if you want to combine both islands. Get in touch to plan your itinerary.
See our full fleet here.
