The Scenic North
Auckland · Kauri · Whatuwhiwhi · Russell · Paihia · Zatoka Waipu · Coromandel · Hahei · Cathedral Cove · Mount Maunganui · Matamata · Rotorua
Przegląd wycieczki
ZigZag’s 22-day Scenic North tour begins in Auckland and journeys through some of North Island’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations. From ancient Kauri forests and wild kiwi on the Kauri Coast, to the stunning Karikari Peninsula and Cape Reinga, we explore the far north’s natural beauty before soaking up seaside charm in Russell and Mangawhai Heads.
Traveling inland, we visit Raglan’s relaxed surf town, the glowworm-lit caves of Waitomo, and coastal New Plymouth beneath Mt Taranaki. Off the beaten track, we journey along the rugged Forgotten World Highway to Ohakune, the gateway to Tongariro National Park, before relaxing by Lake Taupo.
Our tour concludes in Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland, with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and rich Māori culture—a perfect mix of North Island’s iconic landscapes and hidden gems.
Plan dzień po dniu
Day 1
We start off today with a very informal welcome meeting in Auckland. A chance for everyone to say ‘Kia Ora’ (hello in Māori), for us to introduce ourselves, tell you a little bit more about the coming days, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll pack up our trailer, introduce you to the van and hit the road.
It’s not a long drive to our first adventure. As we cross the Harbour Bridge, the stunning skyline of Auckland fades into the background, replaced by the lush green landscapes that lead us to Matakana. The drive is dotted with charming rural scenery, and soon we’ll be surrounded by vineyards, markets, and the coastal beauty of the area. Matakana is a foodie and wine lover's nirvana – the perfect place for our first lunch-stop.
We then travel north alongside the Wairoa River and through Dargaville before arriving at our destination for the first night on the Kauri Coast.
After getting settled in here we will cook dinner for you and look forward to our evening adventure...
Tonight, as an optional (included) activity, we will take you into the Trounsen Forest to search for Kiwi once the sun has gone down. This is a very special experience - most New Zealanders have never seen a Kiwi in the wild. We will have a 50% chance of seeing one. Whilst walking amongst a forest of enormous Kauri trees we will need to be very quiet as we shine our red torch lights (provided) through the undergrowth in our search for these shy, nocturnal birds. The flightless Kiwi bird is a ‘taonga’ (treasure) to Māori, who have strong cultural, spiritual and historic associations with it. It is also an icon here in NZ, symbolising the uniqueness of New Zealand's wildlife and natural heritage.
Accommodation: Camping (Kauri Coast)
Day 2
We head north and meander our way through the Waipoua Kauri Forest, making a stop at majestic Tāne Mahuta, the ‘Lord of the Forest’ and New Zealand’s largest living Kauri tree. Keep looking up as you take the short walk through the forest, and you will soon see this magnificent tree towering over all of the others. At over 2000 years old, it is hard not to be in awe of Tāne Mahuta’s size, strength and ancient presence. Get somebody to take a photo of you with the tree behind — you’ll appear very small indeed.
We'll then head up to Arai Te Uru — the south head of the Hokianga Harbour. This headland offers spectacular views of the Tasman Sea and over to the giant sand dunes on the opposite side of the harbour entrance.
We travel through Omapere and Opononi, two small towns that were well known in the 1950’s for a friendly dolphin called ‘Opo’. She was a young Bottlenose dolphin that enjoyed playing and spending time with humans in the harbour here.
Then we make a stop to visit the Koutu Boulders. This short pleasant walk, at low tide leads to a group of large, natural, cylindrical natural rocks that make for a great photo opportunity.
Heading around the northern part of the Hokianga Harbour, we then travel over to the east coast where we base ourselves for 3 nights at the northern end of Doubtless Bay in a small settlement called Whatuwhiwhi.
Accommodation: Camping (Whatuwhiwhi)
Day 3 | Free Day
With our campsite only a stone’s throw from Perehipe Beach, you might just want to relax here today. With safe swimming and water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding, it is truly a paradise to enjoy, relax and unwind in.
If you're feeling energetic, take a walk along this stretch of coastline — Tokerau Beach has 18km of uninterrupted sandy beach to discover. Also, only 2km from camp is the Carrington Estate World Class Golf Course and Karikari Estate Winery.
Weather permitting, we will explore some of the other bays, scenic reserves and lookouts situated around this peninsula, including the stunning and remote Maitai Bay, and Waikato Bay - a heart shaped bay with two beautiful beaches. We’ll be on the lookout for dolphins and orcas who often come close to shore and chase the stingrays along the beach — an awe-inspiring sight to see. Come along for the ride around the gorgeous Karikari Peninsula.
Accommodation: Camping (Whatuwhiwhi)
Day 4
No need to take down your tents this morning as we are off on a full day trip to Cape Reinga.
Today takes us all the way to the top of New Zealand — the northernmost point. It is a scenic drive to get there, but the main attraction is at the end of the road. After passing through green pastures, we are then greeted with large rolling sand dunes on both sides of the road.
Then as we get closer to the very top of New Zealand, we wind our way up steep hills and are rewarded with incredible views of the roiling ocean, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. Here at Cape Reinga, we have time for a stroll down to the iconic lighthouse and its outstanding views of the northern coastline. It is here that we can often see the two distinct colours of the waters as they come together.
Soon after starting our drive back to Whatuwhiwhi, we make a stop at the Te Paki sand dunes — a vast area of sand with native bush on one side and Ninety Mile Beach and the ocean on the other. They are quite incredible to see. You’ll have time to walk across the desert-like landscape or hire a sandboard and have a go at ‘boarding’ down the dunes!
Accommodation: Camping (Whatuwhiwhi)
