If you have three to five days to spare, we recommend a road trip to Cathedral Cove. The 251 km trip takes you through the heart of the North Island to one of the most beautiful coastal regions in New Zealand, with plenty of wonderful sights to stop and enjoy on your journey. Our itinerary below allows you to make the most out of your road trip and what you can enjoy as you travel to Cathedral Cove.

Stop 1 - Auckland

Instead of heading straight for the open road, spend some time in Auckland. There is lots to see and do in the city, even if you think you have already seen and done everything! Kickstart your day in Ponsonby, where you can choose from plenty of artisan coffee shops and brunch spots. If you want to start your trip with some adventure, climb Mount Eden or One Tree Hill, two iconic volcanos that provide you with some of the best views of Auckland.

The waterfront is full of cultural spots that you can soak up, too. The Maritime Museum and the Auckland War Memorial Museum are great places to explore. Why not enjoy some fish and chips by the waterfront before starting your journey?

Stop 2 - Bombay Hills

 By Deano87 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16158525

Bombay Hills is only forty-five minutes away from Auckland but will feel like another planet. It's worth stopping here to soak up some of the beautiful countryside. You can take advantage of the local cafes, roadside fruit stands, and more. Make sure that you stock up on some local and seasonal fruit from these stands to sustain you for the next leg of your trip.

You can enjoy the market gardens, too and will find plenty of spaces to stop and enjoy the scenery as you head on more rural roads.

Stop 3 - Miranda

Miranda is the perfect place to stop if you love wildlife. The mud flats and wetlands are teeming with migratory birds, where you can spot rare species like wrybills and godwits. Head to the Miranda Shorebird Centre to see these birds up close,

Miranda is very peaceful, so even if you don’t love birds, it's worth stopping to stretch your legs and enjoy some quiet before your journey continues.

Stop 4 - Thames

Thames is full of history from the Gold Rush and small-town character, so it is the perfect place to stop! Its heritage buildings make for the perfect spot to soak up the architecture. There are plenty of cafes to enjoy, too, serving homemade cake and New Zealand mince and cheese pies. There are plenty of places to learn about the history of the Thames, including the Goldmine Experience and the Thames Historical Museum.

If you have some time to spare, we recommend heading to the Kauerange Valley. It will take around fifteen minutes but offers fantastic swimming spots and hiking trails.

Stop 5 - Whangamata

This famous beach town is known for its golden sand beaches, making it the perfect spot for beach enthusiasts and surfers. The waves are consistently good, so be sure to pack your board with you. There are plenty of surf schools you can hire equipment from or book lessons if you are not a seasoned surfer.

It is also a great place for paddle boarding and kayaking, with calm waters to explore. You can make the most of your day here, too, with waterside restaurants that offer a peaceful space for your evening meal.

Stop 6 -  Tairua

 Tairu from Mount Paku By Oren Rozen - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44107971

Tairua is a short drive away, but we recommend stopping to enjoy its postcard-perfect vibes. It has some of the best views you will find on this trip, especially if you brave a hike to the summit of the volcanic peaks of Mount Paku. You can take some fantastic photos of the coastline from up here, seeing all of the islands and bays on offer.

Tairua Harbour is a great place for a gentle stroll, too, or you can rent a paddle board and see the waters up close.

Stop 7 - Hahei

Hahei is a quiet village that is the perfect place to unwind before your journey comes to an end. The beach is beautiful, with calm waters that are ideal for swimming or relaxing along the shore. From here, you can access the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, where you can see hidden caves and secluded beaches and have a chance to spot dolphins!

Stop 8 - Cathedral Cove

Finally, you have come to the end of your journey. Cathedral Cove offers plenty of pathos for you to explore along its cliffs, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the ocean. We recommend visiting Cathedral Cove Macadamias if you have the time, where you can see a family-run orchid and enjoy some roasted macadamia nuts.

Start Planning Your Roadtrip Today

Now that you have your itinerary, it's time to plan your campervan road trip from Auckland. When renting a campervan, you must make sure that you can find the best prices, giving you more money to spend on your trip. You can find prices on campervan hire in Auckland here to make the most of your trip!