Planning Your North Island Van Route
The North Island is smaller than most people expect — you can drive its length in a day if you needed to. But van life is about slowing down. A month on the North Island, done properly, will feel like three months of experiences.
This route runs clockwise from Auckland, which is where most travellers start (Campervan rental centres, ferry terminals). It can be reversed or adapted.
Auckland and the Northland
Northland: The Far North
Drive north from Auckland on SH1, then take the coastal road. The region has a character distinct from the rest of NZ — subtropical, a little rough around the edges, genuinely beautiful. The Kauri Coast is extraordinary — ancient kauri trees that have survived for 2,000 years in a country that lost most of its forest to farming.
Te Paki Reserve campsite near Cape Reinga is free (limited facilities) and puts you within walking distance of both the cape lighthouse and the enormous sand dunes that you can sandboard down to the beach.
Bay of Islands
The tourist brochure version of NZ is most visible here — dolphins, Paihia, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It is touristy but genuinely beautiful. Camp at Urupukapuka Island (DOC, accessible by ferry) for the quieter version.
Coromandel and Bay of Plenty
Coromandel Peninsula
Cathedral Cove (walk-in only, no cars) — the rock arch you have seen in every NZ photo. The walk from Hahei car park takes 45 minutes and worth every step. Hot Water Beach (arrive at low tide, bring a shovel) — dig your own thermal pool in the sand.
Camp at the Hahei Holiday Resort for proximity to both. Expensive in summer ($55+/night for a powered site) but the location is unbeatable.
Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
New Zealand surfers consider the Mount to have the best beach break in the country. The town itself is pleasant — good coffee, excellent takeaway fish and chips, a proper mountain to walk up. Holiday parks are well-priced compared to Auckland.
Whakatāne and White Island (Whakaari)
Note: White Island volcano is active and tours were suspended after the December 2019 eruption. Check current status before booking. The Whakatāne area itself is worth a stop — excellent surfing at Ohope Beach, beautiful holiday park.
Rotorua and the Central Plateau
Rotorua
The geothermal capital of New Zealand. The smell of sulphur hits you 20km out. The Te Puia geothermal park and Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village are the most meaningful ways to understand the area — not just the bubbling mud, but the relationship between Maori people and the geothermal landscape they have lived with for 700 years.
The Rotorua lakeshore has free camping at Blue Lake (basic). The paid holiday parks are good value.
Wai-O-Tapu and the Thermal Wonderland
The most visually extraordinary geothermal area in New Zealand — bright yellow sulphur, vivid turquoise pools, and the Lady Knox Geyser which erupts daily at 10:15am (assisted by a ranger with soap). $36 NZD entry but genuinely worth it.
Tongariro National Park
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is regularly rated one of the best one-day walks in the world. Active volcanoes, emerald crater lakes, and views that on a clear day extend to both coasts. Start early (6am) to avoid the worst crowds and afternoon weather.
Camp at the National Park Village ($22-30 NZD/night at the various holiday parks) or the Mangahuia DOC campsite on the southern approach road.
Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa
Napier and the Art Deco Coast
Napier was rebuilt almost entirely in Art Deco style after a devastating earthquake in 1931. The result is one of the best-preserved collections of Art Deco architecture in the world. Walk the waterfront, visit the National Aquarium, eat the excellent food. The surrounding Hawke's Bay wine region has several cellar doors that welcome self-contained vehicle overnight parking.
Cape Palliser, Wairarapa
The southernmost point of the North Island. Fur seals on the rocks, a lighthouse at the top of 252 steps, and one of the most desolate and beautiful coastlines in New Zealand. Free camping at the seal colony car park (self-contained required).
Wellington and the Kapiti Coast
Wellington
The most underrated city in NZ. World-class coffee, an extraordinary national museum (Te Papa, free entry), superb restaurants, and a harbour and waterfront that rival any city in the southern hemisphere. The Petone foreshore has free parking and a 15-minute bus ride into the city.
North Island Practical Notes
- Self-containment: Get your van certified self-contained before you arrive — it opens up many more freedom camping options
- CamperMate app: Essential for finding freedom camping areas by region
- Weather: The North Island can be wet at any time of year — the west coast and the Northland especially. Pack accordingly
- Best time: December-March for warmth and long days, but busy. April-June and September-November for quieter roads and pleasant weather