The northern edge of New Zealand welcomes visitors with endless coastlines, deep blue seas, giant sand dunes, ancient kauri forests, white sand beaches, and some of the best fish and chips in the country. Auckland to Cape Reinga is a New Zealand road trip filled with unusual natural history and cultural folklore.
We’ve taken this road trip from New Zealand’s largest city to its northern tip many times. Now we have created a flexible New Zealand itinerary that can range from a slow adventure to a 2-day whirlwind of excitement.
For us, we have found four to five days to be optimal for this North Island road trip.
Our Auckland to Cape Reinga New Zealand road trip itinerary
Straight through, it’s a 425 km drive from Auckland to Cape Reinga that takes just under six hours.
However, there is so much to see and do along the way, with many of the attractions on our list of North Island must-sees. For the purpose of this page, we divided the trip into four segments. After that, we share our recommended four to seven-day Auckland to Cape Reinga self-drive itinerary options.
While each follows the same basic route, the timings are different. However, the details are determined by the specific number of days allocated for your trip. If you have less than four days, skip down the page for alternate suggestions.
The basic itinerary is written in four sections:
- Auckland to the Bay of Islands (east coast).
- Continue north to Kaitaia, with an optional drive on the Karikari Peninsula.
- Drive along the Aupouri Peninsula (the narrow strip of land leading to the top of the island).
- Finally, return from Cape Reinga to Auckland along the west coast.
Hiring (renting) a car
Unless you are using your own vehicle, you will need to hire a car. In New Zealand and worldwide, we always rent from RentalCars. As an aggregator, they offer a comprehensive list of multinational and local rental car agents, ratings on specific car types, and agency ratings. Importantly, they often have lower prices than going direct.
Whether you rent from them or not, it’s still the perfect place to begin your search. Start your search or reserve your rental car here.
Auckland to Cape Reinga itinerary for four to seven days
We prefer a self-guided New Zealand road trip over a tour. Therefore, we generally drive ourselves and stay in hotels, but campervan hire is popular in New Zealand.
On the other hand, if you prefer guided tours, skip to the two to three-day options below.
Segment 1: Auckland to Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is an easy three-hour drive from Auckland. If you get an early start, you can be there by mid-morning. This leaves over half a day to enjoy the area. Plan to spend the first night here.
If you allocated six or more days for the top of the island, enjoy a leisurely drive from Auckland to Paihia. We often stop in Warkworth to see the giant kauri trees, go downtown to have a coffee or riverwalk, or enjoy Sheep World.
A bit further on our journey and we stop at two waterfalls (Whangarei and Piroa) and Waipu Caves. Also, there are several more impressive things to do in Whangarei. Among them, you won’t want to miss a stroll along the town basin, a visit to the Hundertwasser Arts Centre, or to the National Clock Museum.
PRO TIP: To find Piroa Falls using GPS, search for “80 Waipu Gorge Rd” on Google Maps.
Bay of Islands activities
The Bay of Islands is an enclave of 144 islands. It is a playground for New Zealand holidaymakers and a source of history for students and visitors. There is an abundance of Bay of Islands activities ranging from relaxation to extreme sports.
- Kawakawa
Make a quick stop at the Hundertwasser Toilets, the only structure designed by Fredrick Hundertwasser in the Southern Hemisphere. - Opua
Walk to the Opua Forest Paihia lookout, or take the car ferry from Opua to Russell. (included in our itineraries of six or more days). - Paihia
Spend the first night in Paihia (spend two nights if on the seven-day itinerary). Local visitors often spend a week. Paihia is centrally located with a beach that is ideal for swimming, kayaking, parasailing, or relaxing. Paihia’s port is the starting point for an excursion to the Hole in the Rock or the passenger ferry to Russell.
- Russell
Stroll through New Zealand’s first capital city, or if feeling energetic, hike up Flagstaff Hill. We typically leave our car in Paihia and take a passenger ferry. - Waitangi
Everyone should explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand and one of the country’s most important historic sites. Don’t miss the nearby Haruru Falls and if you have extra time, hike the trails in the surrounding forest.
- Kerikeri Mission Station
Visit two of New Zealand’s oldest buildings; the Old Stone Store (built in 1832) and the Kemp House.
Segment 2: Bay of Islands to Pukenui with an optional drive on the Karikari Peninsula
As you continue your drive north from Kerikeri, there are several sites you won’t want to miss:
- Rainbow Falls
This stunning waterfall is a short walk from the car park and something you don’t want to miss. - Mangonui
Often thought of as the best fish and chips in the country, it’s the lovely views that actually keep me coming back to the famous Mangonui Fish Shop.
- North coast beaches
There is one beach after the next. On our last visit, we stayed right on Cable Bay beach.
Karikari Peninsula
This is the first point where our itineraries split. If you have only four days, you will continue on from Manganui, skipping the Karikari Peninsula and spend the night in Pukenui. If you have longer, spend the night on Karikari Peninsula or a north coast beach city.
In the morning, detour onto the striking Karikari Peninsula for a relaxing glass of wine at Karikari Estate or a swim in the gentle waters at the picturesque Matai Bay Beach. Rumour has it that there are little blue penguins at the beach in Whatuwhiwhi, but we didn’t see any.
After the Karikari Peninsula, or instead of it on the four-day itinerary, spend the night in a cabin at the Pukenui campground. The next day is long and exciting, and this gives you a head start on the Aupouri Peninsula.
Segment 3: Aupouri Peninsula – Kaitaia to Cape Reinga
Aupouri Peninsula is the pinnacle of any Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip. It is a narrow strip of land running approximately 100 km north to the top of the island. Get an early start as, in addition to the three hours of driving, there is plenty to see and do along the way.
The peninsula shares its name with the local Maori iwi (tribe) Aupōuri. In legend, it is known as Te Hiku-o-te-ika-a-Māui, which translates to the tail of Māui’s fish. The order presented here heads north along the peninsula, but we recommend saving some of the stops for the return drive.
- Ninety-Mile Beach
With 4WD, you can drive on this beach, which is classified as a section of Hwy 1. Therefore, all NZ road rules apply. We can’t stress this enough: read the warning signs, know the tides, and check your car rental contract as most do not allow driving on the beach. Also of note: Ninety-Mile Beach boasts one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world. - Gumdiggers Park
An ancient buried kauri forest, this is a fascinating stop. - Pukenui Pacific Cafe
Our favourite eatery on the peninsula. - Rarawa Beach
Swim or just enjoy the white silica sand, which makes the oddest squeaking noise as you walk across it. - Te Kao Store
A country store famous for serving huge, creamy, and delicious ice cream. - Giant Sand Dunes of Te Paki
Adventure seekers will want to go sandboarding on these giant sand dunes. - Cape Reinga
Finally, you will reach Cape Reinga. More than just the top of New Zealand, it is a spiritual place for the Māori people and the meeting place of two major bodies of water.
Segment 4: Pukenui to Auckland along the Hokianga Coast (West Coast)
The Hokianga car ferry, from just past Kokukohu to Rawene, cuts about an hour off the drive. Check the Hokianga Ferry schedule and be sure you don’t miss the last ferry of the day.
Once on the other side, we have lunch in the quaint Opononi Village. If you are on the six or seven-day itinerary, spend a night at Opononi Lighthouse Motel.
On the four or five-day schedule, you will be driving and enjoying New Zealand scenery for most of the day. If you get a late start, you will have time for only one stop, and that will be the Waipoua Kauri Forest.
- Waipoua Kauri Forest
Home to New Zealand’s largest living kauri tree, it is only a five-minute walk from the trail marker to the 2000-year-old Tane Mahuta ‘Lord of the Forest‘.
Also, take the short drive to the next car park, where there is an easy 20-minute (one-way) walk to see The ‘Four Sisters’ and Te Matua Ngahere, ‘Father of the Forest’ (the second largest tree).
- The Kauri Museum
Located in Matakohe, it is a favourite museum of many of our guests. However, if you try to make the return trip from Pukenui in one day, the museum will most likely have already closed for the day by the time you arrive.
Pulling it together: Itinerary details for a 1 to 7-day round trip from Auckland to Cape Reinga drive
Are you wondering how to put this all together? Here are three Auckland to Cape Reinga options:
One day Auckland to Cape Reinga by car
This is not a road trip but rather an all-day drive with only one stop to see the Cape Reinga lighthouse and the meeting of the seas. Then it is back in the car for the return drive. This is not recommended.
Two or three days from Auckland to Cape Reinga
Day 1:
Auckland → Paihia (half-day to explore the Bay of Island before spending the night)
Day 2:
Bus tour to Cape Reinga and 90-Mile Beach Discounts available depending on the day (11.5 hours, returns to Paihia) → Drive Paihia to Auckland that night OR . . .
Day 3:
(optional) Enjoy a half-day in the Bay of Islands → Drive Paihia to Auckland
Four days from Auckland to Cape Reinga
Day 1:
Auckland → Kawakawa → Paihia (half-day to explore the Bay of Islands before spending the night)
Day 2:
Paihia → Waitangi → Kerikeri Mission Station → Rainbow Falls → Mangonui → North coast beaches
Day 3:
North coast beaches → Gumdiggers Park → Te Kao Store → Cape Reinga → Te Paki sand dunes → Rarawa Beach → Ninety Mile Beach → Kaitaia
Day 4:
Kaitaia → Opononi → Waipoua Kauri Forest → Kauri Museum (if time allows) → Auckland
Seven days from Auckland to Cape Reinga
Day 1:
Auckland → Sheep World → Waterfalls → Waipu Caves → Kawakawa → Opua → Paihia
Day 2:
Enjoy the Bay of Islands
Day 3:
Paihia → Waitangi → Kerikeri Mission Station → Rainbow Falls → Mangonui → North coast beaches
Day 4:
North coast beaches → Karikari Peninsula → Pukenui
Day 5:
Pukenui → Gumdiggers Park → Te Kao Store → Cape Reinga → Te Paki sand dunes → Rarawa Beach → Pukenui
Day 6:
Pukenui → Ninety Mile Beach → Kaitia → Opononi
Day 7:
Opononi → Waipoua Kauri Forest → Kauri Museum → Auckland
Auckland to Cape Reinga three-day guided tour
If you are visiting New Zealand without a vehicle, or if you prefer the knowledge of a local guide, this is the Northland New Zealand tour we recommend. This round-trip Cape Reinga tour from Auckland does it all in just three days.
This tour takes you via an air-conditioned coach and spends two nights in the Bay of Islands. Highlights include:
- Visit Cape Reinga.
- Drive along 90-mile beach.
- Scenic drive through Puketi Kauri Forest.
- Entrance to Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
- Cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock.
- Tour historic Russell.
- Free time to explore the Bay of Islands.
Or start in the Bay of Islands with one of these tours:
From Paihia: Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach with lunch
Learn about Māori traditions at Cape Reinga on this 11-hour roundtrip tour. You will visit the top of New Zealand and have photo opportunities of the lighthouse and the meeting of the seas, try sandboarding on Te Paki Stream and drive along Ninety Mie Beach in a purpose build bus.
Reserve your Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach tour here
Cape Reinga tour and scenic flight
This 4.5-hour tour includes a roundtrip scenic flight from Paihia to Cape Reinga over the Northland coastline, a guided mini-bus tour at the top of the island, a walk to the Cape Reinga lighthouse, morning tea including and a stop at the giant sand dune famous for sandboarding. Reserve your Cape Reinga tour and scenic flight here.
Tips for everyone travelling from Auckland to Cape Reinga
- Cars drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand.
- Our speed limits are somewhat lower than in other countries. Allow enough time to get to your destination.
- Know the driving rules. Be sure to understand how to cross the one-way bridges you will encounter driving from Auckland to Cape Reinga.
(If you only have one day, check out these alternative road trip options from Auckland.)
Save on your NZ trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), Bookabach (self-contained in NZ), or Hostelworld (budget). See all our personal favourite NZ hotels here.
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Campervans: Our readers prefer Jucy, and we get consistently great feedback.
- Activity discounts: we check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on activities.
- Private guides: we do have a go-to when we hire a private guide from Viator.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel. And don’t forget to download our free New Zealand packing list when you sign up for our newsletter.
Save for later
If you enjoyed these Northland road trip itinerary options, save it on Pinterest so you have it available when you are ready to go.
What is your favourite New Zealand road trip?
New Zealand places and things you might like to see:
- 75 Free and Nearly Free Things to Do in Auckland New Zealand
- Renting a Campervan in New Zealand: What You Need to Know
- East Cape NZ Driving Itinerary: Gisborne to Opotiki Road Trip
- Enjoy an Auckland to Wellington Drive with These Stops
- NZ South Island Road Trip: Queenstown to Nelson (West Coast)
Disclaimer: We were frequently provided with complimentary services as we travelled from Auckland to Cape Reinga and back. All opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Nida Fatima
This was such a good article because of the details of the route based on how many days you are planning your trip!
We didn’t follow exact same route mainly because we had more interest in some places.
Overall great read, and thank you for sharing 🙂
Vanessa Shields
I have always wanted to visit New Zealand and this really looks like an epic road trip to take! It looks so beautiful with a lush landscape, waterfalls, beaches and a perfect place to take a walk in nature. Adding to my list of places I must visit!
Jenny
The other side of the world…its beautiful. I loved reading this today and dreaming of traveling over there one day. Beautiful pictures. It looks like a trip of a lifetime.
Bettina
This roadtrip looks incredible! I have been to NZ once and toured the north island but saw the Southern part of the island and none of the spots you recommended. This means I need to go back now. 🙂
Sarah
Love these road trip ideas! Surely a great idea for first-timers to really see New Zealand!
Tony Payne
We spent a week at a batch (holiday home) in Taupo Bay which is about an hour north of the Bay of Islands. Took a tour up to Cape Reinga and it was fascinating driving along 90 mile beach, climbing up the massive sand dunes and then sliding down them. but the most spectacular view was at the cape itself, with a line of white water stretching as far as the horizon, showing there the two oceans (Pacific ocean and Tasman Sea) meet.
We also drove through the Kairi forests and explored pretty much the whole of the northern part of the North Island. It’s beautiful up there.
I don’t know if it still exists, but about an hour north of the Bay of Islands there was a place where you could see the glow-worms. It wasn’t in a cave, it was out in the bush and in an area of rocks. The land owner had marked the area out with pathways, and you could only visit at night. That was pretty amazing too.
Khyoum Basha
could you pls tell me the location of glow worms near Bay of Islands plss ..!!!
indah nuria
a lot of beautiful places to see and enjoy, Rhonda! Hope I can visit those paradise soon
Nancie
This brings back memories of my bus trip to Cape Reinga way back in 1980. I loved the 90-mile highway drive, and I remember stopping to dig clams.
California Globetrotter
I would definitely opt for the 4-5 day itinerary! If I went to NZ I’d go at least for a month if I’m going all the way down there!
Luke Wilkinson
Haven’t done that part of my homeland yet. I’d love to check out the Bay of Islands by canoe one day.
Jessi (Two Feet, One World)
You’ve made me smile with memories of exploring many of these sights – and reminded me how lucky I am to come from such a beautiful country. Great itinerary!
Obligatory Traveler
I am absolutely drooling over this road trip. So many beautiful sights to see. Your pictures are fantastic. Australia looks like such a beautiful country. I can’t wait to visit someday.
Rhonda Albom
LOL – This road trip is in New Zealand, however, Australia is also a beautiful country.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute
THis is right up mine and Corinne’s alley. We would definitely self drive. I have to admit, I got detoured by your Hundertwasser toilet post. Fascinating!
California Globetrotter
It’s amazing how far Hundertwasser spread his artwork! A little strange there were toilets designed by him, but cool! We have a few near us too, especially the Hundertwasser Tower!
Anda
Your blog is an inexhaustible source of useful information, Rhonda. I wish I would have the time to drive through New Zealand. Like you, I’d prefer the self-guided tour because I like to make my own schedule and travel at my own pace. For now however, I’ll just keep dreaming about seeing your beautiful country.
Margarita
That’s great to learn about the interesting places on the North Island. I have only road tripped around the South Island before. Look forward to exploring the North. Thank you for the itinerary suggestions, Ronda!
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
We drove to the Bay of Islands many years ago. It was our first taste of New Zealand and the first of many, many trips to your beautiful country. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Amber
I miss new Zealand!
These are really great itineraries, ive seen the lil blue penguins down on the southern island! 😁
Paula
I am planning a bit of a road trip in NZ for later this year and while I have been up to Cape Reinga my husband (and driver lol) is an NZ newbie so this will be great to use as a guide. Thanks for sharing!
Georgie Watts
As always, I love your pics Rhonda! And great itinerary ideas too! Thanks!
Yasmine
This was such a great article, with so many great resources and information about the North Island. I’ve added this route to my bucket list.
Jo Tracey
I’ve done a lot of road trips in NZ, but am yet to do anything north of Auckland. Having said that, we’re in NZ for Christmas this year & I’m planning just that for after Xmas…I’ll be bookmarking this…thankyou.
Deborah
I’ve not travelled much of New Zealand, but am keen to as it’s just such a beautiful country!
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Rhonda, your first two photos were gorgeous. They were beautiful. I left because the next photo had this man stick out his tongue. What a hoot. I’m back from my cruise. I had a great time but wouldn’t you know it, I get sick. Oh well, that’s life. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
LOL Paul, that is a traditional Maori Haka at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Maori are the indigenous people in New Zealand. Cape Reinga is a very sacred place to the Maori.
Jill
We have always planned on traveling New Zealand upon retirement but now that our youngest is moving to Australia we may be able to visit New Zealand on one of our many trips to visit her. Beautiful photos of a beautiful country.
budget jan
That view from Cape Reinga, at the tip of the north island looks amazing. Also the Whangarei Falls are beautiful. We really love NZ and have been south twice. Next time we’ll head north.
beatravelling
If I ever do NZ again, I will definitely be spending all my time in the countryside. That was my biggest regret leaving!
Sandra
Wonderful pictures and such a detailed post. It makes me wanna go to NZ right now! I hope that I will be able to do such a trip one day and make use of all the information you provided with this article.
Sara
Wow, what a gorgeous road trip! We don’t have any plans to go to New Zealand soon, but I would love to see the natural beauty of it. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! Definitely pinning for later!
Barb
New Zealand sounds like such a beautiful country. A roadtrip in New Zealand sounds like a magical idea. I would love to do it one day. I just wish it wasnt so far from London to travel there.
Rhonda Albom
New Zealand is best seen by road trip. It is all the little places between the destinations that make is so exciting.
Juergen | dare2go
This is exactly the sort of post we like! I have bookmarked it. Although: it will take us quite a few years until we come to NZ. We keep saying that we’ll visit once we’re too old to travel far – LOL. New Zealand is only a short hop from Australia, currently we explore Latin America in our own overland camper.
Jen
It looks like an incredible trip! I love the way you’ve laid it out for us.
Thanks for sharing with us at Photo Friday!
Sally@Toddlers on Tour
Looks as absolutely beautiful – like all of New Zealand appears to. So glad you included the maps to show where all these pretty spots are.
Travelera
What gorgeous places in NZ that you always share with us, it is true, you do not need to travel out of NZ with all the beautiful places that you have there!
Rhonda Albom
Thank you. I like exploring outside of New Zealand as well, but it is a gorgeous country with many places to explore.
Meghan
This will probably be the first road trip I do when I get to New Zealand … thanks for the handy guide!
Gina
This is great! I really enjoyed the picture.
L. Diane Wolfe
I’d chew up a memory chip with photos.
Surfing on the dunes would be fun. There are giant sand dunes on the southern Oregon coast and I always wanted to turn by old VW Bus into a dune buggy and go riding across those dunes.
Rhonda Albom
That would be very fun. My girls definitely enjoyed sledding on the sand dunes.
Jill
Beautiful photos! Maybe someday I’ll get to follow this itinerary!
Rhonda Albom
Hopefully you will, Jill. Good luck.
Lyn aka TheTravellingLindfields
The Bay of Islands was the first place we ever visited in New Zealand. It was 1994 and we were on our way home after spending 9 mths travelling the world with our two small boys. It was just magical to be able to relax in a place so lovely and so close to home – both culturally and geographically. I have had a soft spot for the Bay of Islands ever since.
Rhonda Albom
Did you make it up to Cape Reinga while you were there?
Ruth - Tanama Tales
I will take my time to explore the area. I love the idea of driving between waterfalls and coast. In your opinion, is this part of New Zealand more affordable than other more popular areas?
Rhonda Albom
I think in general, the more rural, the lower the costs. We tend to do a lot of thing that locals do, so we spend less traveling then people who go to all the tourist destinations.
Marcia
Breathtakingly beautiful. Each time I visit your blog, I think I need to make a trip to NZ.
Thanks for the tour, Rhonda! You live in paradise.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, if you like my photos, you will love the real thing even more.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats
Great tips! So beautiful and a place I have not yet been. My husband, Laurence, lived there for a year and got so many great photos from his time there.
Rhonda Albom
Did your hubby make it to the top of the island?
Shanna
Wow that photo of the Whangarei Falls is beautiful! This has so much useful information and gorgeous photos. I have always wanted to go to New Zealand and this makes me want to go even more!
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
GREAT PICS!:)
Comedy Plus
Great shots as always. My favorite of all is the lighthouse. I’d spend a lot of time there.
Have a fabulous day Rhonda. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Of course you would like the lighthouse best.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
A lot to see!
So it’s three to five days if you’re stopping and doing things, right?
Rhonda Albom
Actually, you could do it in less time if you just wanted to get to top. Five days is a good amount of time to see all the highlights I mentioned.
Vicki
Hi Rhonda, thank you for sharing this great road trip itinerary for the top of NZ. You’re right when you say that the top of NZ is often overlooked by tourists, often in favor of heading south – but you have provided lots of reasons to head north instead! And your photos are stunning!
Thanks for the inspiration and happy travels 🙂
-Vicki
http://www.maketimetoseetheworld.com
Rhonda Albom
So, are you heading to the Cape?
Hilary
Hi Rhonda .. staggeringly lovely photos with your pertinent notes. Love seeing them all … and I’d love to do that trip … if I had time I’d double the journey time – a good 10 days+ … did you see the Haka being performed at a wedding? It’d gone viral – we saw it on the news?! Cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
I could easily spend 10 days in Northland, but if you have a limited amount of time in New Zealand, there is a lot to pick from.
Traveling Rockhopper
Great option! I did this when I was in New Zealand and had a wonderful time! 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Glad you enjoyed NZ.
Denise Covey
Hi Rhonda. I love this part of the world. An inspirational, helpful post with all the highlights given. And the photos as always are wonderful. Thank you. 🙂
Corinne
Rhonda, We have not done any of the North Island, so maybe we need to plan a trip. I love a good road trip!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, it’s time for another visit to New Zealand.
Joyce
Gorgeous countryside. You don’t have to travel to other countries with those beautiful sites.
Rhonda Albom
That is true, and we sure have been enjoying traveling around New Zealand.
Paula McInerney
Great itinerary and one that will make it very easy to follow when we eventually get over there. We have friends up the north, so may well have to get a move on.
Rhonda Albom
I hope it’s not too long, and you have a friend just North of Auckland too (that’s me)
Samiya selim
Look forward to exploring all this in two weeks time 🙂 loved bay of islands from our last time and can’t wait to explore further up north!
Rhonda Albom
If you use this itinerary, let me know how it works out for you.