Planning your winter escape? Swap your snowboard for the steering wheel with an unforgettable road trip around New Zealand’s North Island. The ultimate destination as the temps drop, this breathtaking island offers mini adventure-packed itineraries—perfect for those short on annual leave.
Think: some of the world’s most sought-after surf breaks, volcanic landscapes, and bucket list-worthy experiences, all without the summer crowds.
We’ve teamed up with the legends at Apollo Motorhomes to curate eight epic itineraries.
Ready to hit the road? The North Island is calling:
Northland
234km from Auckland
Time from Auckland: 3 hours 20 mins
Aim your wheels for the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, an 800km curricular route from Auckland that will see you uncover Northland, a region steeped in Māori culture and awash with natural beauty.
Witness the breathtaking landscape of Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea crashes into the Pacific. Head to the lighthouse for epic views or get your calf burn on by crawling up the Te Paki Sand Dunes (and get an adrenaline rush by boogie boarding back down).
Nearby, Ninety Mile Beach offers one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world, and with fewer crowds at this time of the year, you’re guaranteed a stellar sesh. Refuel with a feed at Mangōnui Fish Shop near Doubtless Bay—their paua fritters are incredible.
The Coromandel
167km from Auckland
Time from Auckland: 2 hours 28 mins
Encased in mist-cloaked mountains and home to more than 400km of sugar white sand beaches, bookmark this slice of paradise for your winter roadie.
Immerse yourself in nature’s playground with a cycle along the Hauraki Rail Trail, exploring relics from the area’s gold mining past.
Prefer to explore on two feet? Serious trekkers can take on the Pinnacles Track, an overnight adventure, while everyone can enjoy the Coromandel Coastal Walkway—a four-hour hike through a fairytale-like forest.
A kayak tour around Cathedral Cove is a must-do. Spy seals and dolphins in this protected marine reserve.
Finally, soothe weary muscles with a visit to Hot Water Beach. Head to the southern end of the sand, dig your own hot pool (a natural spring bubbles below the sand’s surface) and bliss out with incredible vistas of the Pacific.
Waikato
109km from Auckland
Time from Auckland: 1 hour 22 min
Home to black sand beaches and a serious dose of magic, Waikato is the perfect winter roadie. Just a short jaunt from Auckland, this rolling green region feels a world away from the bustle of city life.
Surfers will want to grab their boards and head directly to Raglan, a stunning stretch of charcoal sand and glass-like waves. Newbie to the waves? Grab a lesson with the crew at Raglan Surf School.
Lord Of The Rings fans will lose their minds in Matamata, where you can wander through the Hobbiton movie set, complete with a tiny Hobbit-sized village.
At night, explore the subterranean maze of enchanting limestone caverns with a guided tour of the Waitomo Caves, lit by thousands of twinkling glowworms.
Gisborne
494km from Auckland
Time from Auckland: 6 hours 5 mins
If you’re the kind of wanderlust-seeker who likes to holiday along under-the-radar gems, then set your motorhome's GPS for Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Set on the east coast of the North Island, pull on your wetsuit and surf 270km of pristine beach—Makorori and Wainui are our faves. Go on an ancient waterslide in Wharekopae River’s Rere Rockslide—a few million years old—or check out Gisborne Rail Bike Adventure, where you’ll cycle tandem along an abandoned coastal railway.
Sip your way through cellar doors, Matawhero Wines and Bushmere Estate, and fill your basket with delicious fresh produce at the Gisborne Farmers Market.
Round out your visit with a chilled night at Dome Cinema, where you can catch an arthouse flick while relaxing on bean bags and munching on pizza.
Bay Of Plenty
300km from Auckland
Time from Auckland: 3 hours 36 mins
A truly delicious destination year-round, the Bay of Plenty is fast becoming New Zealand’s culinary hotspot.
The vibrant coastal region is home to oyster farms, fresh-from-the-trawler seafood joints, and juicy orchards—Te Puke is the world's kiwifruit hub. Appreciate the region’s produce and culture on a guided fishing, foraging and feast experience with Muirs Tours.
Pro tip: arrive hungry. Craft your own gin (or just sip their boutique drops) at Matahui Distillery, shuck (and slurp) oysters at Māori-owned farm Tio Ōhiwa, and tuck into freshly caught fish and chips at Gibbos on the wharf in Whakatāne.
Round out your visit with a soul-nourishing hike to the top of Mount Maunganui, an extinct volcano perched 232 metres above the sea.
Taupō
270km from Auckland
Time from Auckland: 3 hours 5 mins
Perched on the edge of a lake roughly the size of Singapore, Taupō is the kind of place that offers up a little something for every kind of traveller.
Want to get your adrenaline pumping? Strap yourself in for a jet boat ride along the Waikato River. The 30-minute thrill ride will take you right up to the thundering Huka Falls—with 220,000 litres of water blasting by every second, you’ll hear it before you see it.
Culture-seekers will love Mine Bay’s breathtaking 10-metre Māori rock carving that's best viewed via kayak or boat.
For something uniquely Taupō, try your hand at fly fishing. The rainbow and brown trout are a delicacy—you can’t buy them from shops or restaurants here, but if you catch them, some local chefs and fishing guides will prepare them for you. Our favourite is Vine Eatery & Bar.
Rotorua
226km from Auckland
Time from Auckland: 2 hours 39 mins
When you notice the faint smell of sulphur in the air, you’ll know you’re in New Zealand’s geothermal heartland.
First, head to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the youngest geothermal ecosystem in the world, with the largest hot water spring. Nearby Hell's Gate is New Zealand's most active geothermal reserve with the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere—post walk, you can soak in geothermal mud baths that will leave your skin silky soft.
Immerse yourself in Māori culture with a visit to Te Puia spanning 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.
Watch in awe as the Pōhutu Geyser explodes hot water high into the sky, wander through the Jurassic-like land and learn about the myths and legends of the area on a guided tour. Post tour, witness a goosebump-inducing haka and feast on a hāngī for dinner.
Ruapehu
373km from Auckland
Time from Auckland: 4 hours 53 mins
Mother Nature did some of her finest work at Ruapehu. Set against Tongariro National Park (awarded dual UNESCO World Heritage status for both its cultural significance to Māori, as well as its outstanding natural features), this wonderland boasts steaming craters, glass-like lakes, lush alpine gardens and Mt Ruapehu, the North Island’s highest peak.
Pull on your comfiest walking shoes and explore some of the region's best hikes. Great for beginners, the Taranaki Falls track is around 6km and unfurls within rainforest, serving up 11/10 mountain views. The Silica Rapids track (7km) will take you around 2.5 hours and is soundtracked by birdsong and waterfalls—it’s truly like you’re walking in a fairytale.
Got two wheels? Some of the country's best mountain bike trails can be found here. Check out the 85km Timber Trail and 231km Mountains to Sea Trail.
Ready to start exploring this breathtaking corner of the world? Book your accom on wheels at Apollo here.
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Images: Supplied and Urban List.