The Ultimate North Island Road Trip: 60 Must-Visit Places for Your Kiwi Adventure

Planning a road trip around New Zealand's North Island? You're in for a treat! From the subtropical north to the vibrant capital city, the North Island is a land of geothermal wonders, stunning coastlines, rich Māori culture, and epic adventures. To help you plan your unforgettable journey, we've compiled a list of 60 must-visit places, perfect for your Bluedot Rentals road trip.

Far North & Northland: Where It All Begins

The "winterless north" is a haven of beautiful beaches and historical significance.

  1. Cape Reinga: The northernmost accessible point of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide in a spiritual and powerful spectacle.
  2. Ninety Mile Beach: While actually only 55 miles long, this vast beach is an official highway (4WD vehicles only!) and a great place for sandboarding the giant dunes.
  3. Bay of Islands: A picturesque region of 144 islands, known for its sailing, fishing, and rich history.
  4. Waitangi Treaty Grounds: The birthplace of modern New Zealand, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. A must-visit for understanding the nation's history.
  5. Paihia: The main hub of the Bay of Islands, offering a wide range of activities and tours.
  6. Russell: A charming, historic town across the bay from Paihia, once known as the "Hell Hole of the Pacific."
  7. Tāne Mahuta: A magnificent and sacred kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest, known as the "God of the Forest."
  8. Whangārei: The northernmost city, with stunning waterfalls and a great base for exploring the surrounding coast.
  9. Tutukaka Coast: A beautiful coastline known for its diving at the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.
  10. Matapouri Mermaid Pools: Natural rock pools accessible at low tide, offering a unique swimming experience.

Auckland & The Coromandel: City Life & Coastal Escapes

Auckland, the "City of Sails," is a bustling metropolis and a gateway to some of the North Island's most beautiful coastal areas.

  1. Auckland: New Zealand's largest city, famous for its harbours, diverse culture, and the iconic Sky Tower.
  2. Waiheke Island: A short ferry ride from Auckland, this island is a paradise of vineyards, olive groves, and beautiful beaches.
  3. Rangitoto Island: The youngest and most iconic volcano in the Auckland region, offering a fantastic hike and panoramic views.
  4. Viaduct Harbour: A lively waterfront precinct in Auckland with a great selection of restaurants and bars.
  5. Piha Beach: A stunning, rugged black sand surf beach on Auckland's west coast, famous for Lion Rock.
  6. Muriwai Gannet Colony: Witness thousands of gannets nesting on the dramatic coastal cliffs between August and March.
  7. The Coromandel Peninsula: A lush and rugged peninsula known for its golden beaches and dense native bush.
  8. Cathedral Cove: A famous natural rock archway and beach, accessible by a scenic walk, kayak, or boat tour.
  9. Hot Water Beach: A unique geothermal beach where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide.
  10. Karangahake Gorge: A historic gold mining area with fascinating tunnels and trails.
  11. New Chums Beach: A pristine, secluded beach accessible only by a walk, offering a true sense of a hidden paradise.

Waikato & Bay of Plenty: Movie Magic & Geothermal Wonders

This region is a blend of rolling green hills, hobbit holes, and sun-soaked beaches.

  1. Hobbiton Movie Set: Step into Middle-earth and explore the enchanting film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
  2. Waitomo Caves: Marvel at the magical glowworm caves on a boat tour or get adventurous with a black water rafting trip.
  3. Hamilton Gardens: An award-winning garden complex with a variety of themed gardens from around the world.
  4. Raglan: A laid-back surf town known for its world-class left-hand surf break and bohemian vibe.
  5. Mount Maunganui (Mauao): A seaside town with a popular mountain to climb, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Plenty.
  6. Tauranga: A major city and port with a relaxed coastal atmosphere and access to the region's beautiful beaches.
  7. Whakatāne: Known for its rich Māori history and as a gateway to Moutohorā (Whale Island) Sanctuary.
  8. White Island (Whakaari): An active marine volcano. Tours are currently unavailable, but you can view it from the mainland.

Rotorua & Taupō: Geysers, Lakes & Adventure

The heart of the North Island is a geothermal wonderland and an adventure playground.

  1. Rotorua: Known as "Sulphur City," this is the hub of geothermal activity and Māori culture.
  2. Te Puia: Home to the Pohutu Geyser and a living Māori village, where you can see traditional carving and weaving.
  3. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Witness the vibrant colours of the Champagne Pool and other spectacular geothermal features.
  4. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest: A stunning forest for walking, running, and mountain biking, with an impressive treetop walk.
  5. Skyline Rotorua: Take the gondola up Mount Ngongotahā for panoramic views and enjoy activities like the luge.
  6. Polynesian Spa: Relax in the therapeutic geothermal hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua.
  7. Lake Rotorua: The city's namesake lake, perfect for scenic cruises and water activities.
  8. Lake Taupō: New Zealand's largest lake, an adventure hub for fishing, sailing, and water sports.
  9. Huka Falls: A powerful and mesmerizing waterfall where the Waikato River thunders through a narrow gorge.
  10. Maori Rock Carvings: A huge, impressive carving on a rock face at Mine Bay on Lake Taupō, accessible by boat or kayak.
  11. Tongariro National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site with three active volcanoes.
  12. Tongariro Alpine Crossing: One of the world's most famous day hikes, a challenging and rewarding trek across a volcanic landscape.
  13. Taupō Tandem Skydiving: Get your adrenaline fix with a skydive over the stunning Lake Taupō.
  14. Taupō Bungy: Leap from New Zealand's highest water-touch bungy platform.

East Coast: Art Deco & Vineyards

The east coast is home to sunny beaches, famous wineries, and a city frozen in time.

  1. Gisborne: The first city in the world to see the sunrise each day, known for its surf and sunny climate.
  2. Tatapouri Bay: A stunning campsite near Gisborne with beautiful beaches and reef tours.
  3. Napier: The Art Deco capital of the world, rebuilt in the 1930s style after a devastating earthquake.
  4. Hawke's Bay Wineries: Explore one of New Zealand's premier wine regions with a wine tour or cycle trail.
  5. Te Mata Peak: A prominent landmark offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Hawke's Bay.
  6. Wairoa: A small town on the northern shores of Hawke Bay, with a beautiful river and scenic surroundings.
  7. Mahia Peninsula: A remote and scenic coastal spot known for its surf beaches and rocket launches from the Mahia Spaceport.

Taranaki & The Central Plateau: Volcanic Landscapes & Wild Coasts

This region is dominated by the majestic Mount Taranaki and offers a blend of adventure and arts.

  1. New Plymouth: A vibrant seaside city dominated by the near-perfect cone of Mount Taranaki.
  2. Mount Taranaki: A stunning, dormant volcano and a major attraction for hiking and climbing.
  3. Pukekura Park: A beautiful botanical garden in New Plymouth, famous for its Festival of Lights in summer.
  4. Forgotten World Highway: A winding, remote road from Stratford to Taumarunui, a journey into New Zealand's past.
  5. Whanganui: A city with a rich history, situated on the banks of the Whanganui River.
  6. The Bridge to Nowhere: A famous tramp in the Whanganui National Park, leading to a historic bridge in the middle of the bush.

Wellington & The Wairarapa: Capital Cool & Wine Country

The southern tip of the North Island is a hub of culture, cuisine, and cool coastal towns.

  1. Wellington: New Zealand's creative and culinary capital, known for its compact size, vibrant arts scene, and café culture.
  2. Te Papa Tongarewa: The national museum of New Zealand, an incredible and interactive journey through the nation's history and culture.
  3. Wellington Cable Car: A funicular railway ride from the city centre to the stunning Wellington Botanic Garden.
  4. Martinborough: A charming wine village in the Wairarapa region, known for its world-class Pinot Noir.
  5. Cape Palliser: The southernmost point of the North Island, with a striking lighthouse and a colony of fur seals.
  6. Castlepoint: A wild and beautiful coastal town with a lighthouse, reef, and stunning walks.
  7. Mount Victoria Lookout: A scenic lookout in Wellington offering the best panoramic views of the city and harbour.

So, there you have it—60 incredible places to inspire your Bluedot Rentals North Island road trip. From the wild north to the cultural south, every kilometre tells a new story. Get your keys, pack your bags, and start exploring!

Why a Rental Car is the Best Choice

You cannot reach most of these places by bus, and guided tours only cover a handful. With cheap rentals from Blue Dot Rentals, you can take your time, explore at your own pace, and discover hidden treasures along the way. Whether it is chasing waterfalls, climbing volcanoes, or relaxing on golden beaches, travelling by car gives you true freedom.

Start your North Island road trip with Blue Dot Rentals today and make every journey your own.