Journey through New Zealand's North Island: An Unforgettable Road Trip Experience

Join me now as I guide you through my ultimate North Island Road Trip, from Auckland to Wellington with heaps of exciting & must-see stops in between. This guide is from me to you. It comes from my many experiences travelling around New Zealand, it comes from being a tour guide here for 7 years and it comes It comes from the many friends I have met along the way who call themselves locals in these very places.

So put on your seat belt, start the engines of your Spaceship, it's time for blast off. It's time to experience the best road trip from Auckland to Wellington via the following places.

• Matamata: home of the Hobbits
• Tauranga: chilled-out paradise
• Gisborne: via the Waioeka Gorge
• Tongariro: home of the most famous hike
• and my home now.... Masterton, in the beautiful Wairarapa

Head to the home of the Hobbits: Matamata

Let's start by leaving the bright lights of Auckland and hit the road heading roughly 2 hours south to Hobbiton, aka the shire, aka middle earth aka “Matamata”. The Lord of the Rings movie set is one of the biggest reasons people come here, but not the only one. Here is a couple of other, “precious” gems I recommend checking out.

Wairere Falls

About 15 minutes from Matamata is the North Island’s highest waterfall. At 153 meters high and surrounded by native NZ bush you’ll understand why this has become a very popular walking track. There is a viewing platform at the base and another at the top of the Falls.

Opal Hot Springs (also great camping spot)

If the thought of un-winding and soaking in a heated outdoor or indoor mineral pool sounds like you, then definitely check out Opal Hot Springs about 10 mins drive out of Matamata. They have both public and private pools available, AND, they also have a range of accommodation options for every traveller. Rustic, but relaxing!

Rapurapu Kauri Track

If nothing else, do this walk just to experience our magnificent Kauri, (pronounced, “Cody”, trees). These trees grow to be some of the largest and oldest trees in the world with some over 2000 years old! The start of the track is about 15 mins out of Matamata and is best enjoyed in fine weather.

Hauraki Rail Trail (Section E, Matamata to Te Aroha return)

This trail is part of the “Great Rides of New Zealand” but can be enjoyed by all levels of riders. You can get a map and info on renting bikes at the very famous Matamata i-site and start your leisurely ride towards the tiny rural town of “Te Aroha”. Its about 37km there but you dont have to ride the whole way, just do as much as you feel.

Hobbiton

Arguably the most visited tourist attraction in New Zealand and is also the largest, purpose built, movie set in the world! Its a bucket-list must do for Hobbit fans but still a pretty cool visit for others too. It offers all those who visit a chance to walk through carefully crafted landscapes and iconic Hobbit holes. Check out the various tour options. My favourite part is enjoying a brew at the famous, “Green Dragon Inn”.

If you love your coffee or maybe staying the night, “The Coffee Gallery”, is a must for your caffeine fix or a great breakfast. Always friendly, cool ambiance and trust me, their cinnamon scrolls might be a bigger hit than Hobbiton!

If your wanting to explore the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, check out this seperate great roadtrip guide.

Experience the magic of Hobbiton

Head east to the chilled-out Paradise of Tauranga

Tauranga is the perfect travel destination if you are looking for both adventure and a fun city life. It is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty region and awesome for water activities like swimming, surfing, and even ticking swimming with dolphins off the bucket list! Its chill beach vibes, cafes, bars and restaurants offer up a smorgasbord of delights!

I first came to Tauranga as a young kid and fell in love straight away. Many of my own roadtrips included a few nights camping at “Papamoa” with a few rounds of golf there too. Here’s a couple more of my recommendations to make the most of your time here.

Mclaren Falls

 Roughly 20 mins from Tauranga, Mclaren Falls Walkway is the perfect stop to get out and stretch the legs. Oh, and if waterfalls, lakes, botanical gardens and glow worm's sound like your thing then you should definitely stretch those legs here. You can also camp here too if you want more time to explore.

Enjoy amazing sunsets at McLaren Falls Park

Fernland Spa

If you missed the Opal Hotpools in Matamata, then here’s your second chance at relaxation and rejuvenation. Nestled among native bush and birdlife you can relax in the both the private and public thermal mineral pools. You can also camp there too with both powered and non-powered sites available.

Hike Mt Maunganui

Mt Mauganui or Mauao, (“Caught by the Dawn), or simply the Mount is definitely worthy of the 232 meter walk up to the summit. The views from the top are definitely worth every single step. The famous, “Base Track”, around the Mount is one of New Zealand’s most popular walks. 

Rising Tide

Love this place. There’s nothing quite like sitting in the sun, listening to good music while enjoying some great brews and food. These guys have 42 taps of local and NZ wide craft beer, cider and wine. Its also the home to local brewery, Mount Brewing Co. If thats not enough, then simply go the “Worl Famous”, Johney’s Dumpling House! Live music every Saturday and Sunday.

While your in the Mount, I also recommend checking out Tay Street Beach Kitchen in Mount Maunganui, 7 mins from Tauranga CBD. If the coffee is the bait, the food is the hook. There’s a few seats indoors but the best seat in the house is outside in the sun. Great place to get a coffee before strolling up the Mount!

Tauranga to Gisborne via the Waioeka Gorge

It takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes from Tauranga to Gisborne but you can break that up by exploring both the Waioeka Gorge and in summer the must see, “the Rere Rockslides”. The scenic drive through the Gorge is stunning and understandably has veiwpoints and rest stops along the way. One of my favourite drives in the North Island.

Gisborne itself is a popular surfing destination but also known for its great food, wine, sunshine, (we’ll talk about that more later), and its Maori culture and historical significance. Its also very famous for being the first city in the world to see the new day. Here’s a few more things you should add to your, “To do list”.

Rere Rockslides

If you dont stop at the Rere Rockslides, it will be one of those times when someone mentions it, and you wish you had. Its about 40 minutes away from Gisborne and even if you dont “go down the slide”, its more than entertaining watching everyone else do it.

Sunshine Brewery

This little boutique brewery celebrates some of the more important things in life. Sun, surf and good beer. They’re open every day and have over 20 taps to choose from. Their “Gisborne Gold Lager”, is world famous...in Gisborne. 

Dome Cinema

Now this place is both quirky and cool; a very, “unique”, cinematic experience. Its got atmosphere, great music, signature cocktails and the pizza is really good! This is not just any old cinema. It’s got that cool old whiskey lounge vibe that will still make you feel right at home.

If you plan on being in Gisborne on a Saturday, you should definitely check out the Gisborne Farmers Market open from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Head straight to “Good Day Dumpling” or “La Tortilla Shop” and then navigate your way around the friendly chatter, catchy tunes and many stalls.

There is so much more to discover around Gisborne and the East Cape. For more information check our East Cape road trip tips & itinerary.

Gisborne to Tongariro via Napier

This drive takes approximately 6 hours but the Gisborne to Napier sections takes approximately 3 hours. If you leave around 9am you'll be in Napier for lunch. Check out the Kork n Barrel situated right on the Ahuriri Harbour with stunning views. Fish n chips and small dishes. 

Driving from Napier to Taupo takes approximately 2 hours and its roughly about another hour and 20 minutes from Taupo to Tongariro. You’ll want to base yourself here for a couple of days to prepare, walk and rest after, “the walk”. I have stayed many nights at and would recommend staying at The Park Hotel Ruapehu. You can organise transport to and from the Crossing from here, its comfortable, has an out door spa and a restaurant and bar. 

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing

There is a reason this is regarded as one of the best “one day hikes” in the world and its drawn me back to do it four times. Every time has been different and every time I’ve loved it. Even the time I had to run it with 12 very fit, very excited Japanese exchange students! Another story. You’ll be walking 20.4kms over an active volcanic area, passing Mt Doom, through diverse terrain and past the most magical emerald lakes. 

Top Tip: Wear a high factor SPF. The wind can be pretty deceiving and even on a cloudy day you can actually get pretty burnt from both wind and sun. 

Check out the walks and guided tours you can do to experience the Tongariro Crossing to the fullest. There's an option for every fitness level, from simple sunset walks to a full day walk and everything in between. These are all organised by Adrift Tongariro, the specialist in everything Tongariro Crossing. You can also hire gear if you didn't bring your stuff.

For many Space Travellers the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the highlight of their trip

Tongariro to my hometown, Masterton

The drive from the Tongariro National Park to Masterton takes approximately 4 hours. I would suggest breaking that up with a stop in Taihape which is about an hours drive and then Taihape to Masterton is approximately 2.5 hours. 

Obviously, being my hometown, I could talk to you for hours about where to go and what to do. I explore as much as I can, and I have worked as a Mountain Bike Guide around our southern coast here too. But, for now, I’ll give you my 5 top things I think you should check out around Masterton and the stunning, Wairarapa.

Castlepoint

As a young teenage boy, I learnt to surf here with my now brother-in-law and his mates. “The Gap”, at the southern end of the beach is an amazing break where the swell passes through a small gap into the inlet and breaks on the sandy beach. Not just for surfers though, the dolphins and seals are big fans too. Enjoy one of the many walks along the beach, up Castle Rock to the lighthouse or the Deliverance Cove Track. All very easy to find once you arrive. The campsite on the beach can accommodate you for a few days too. 

Martinborough

About 40 minutes south of Masterton is the beautiful wine village of Martinborough. By far, the best and most fun way to explore the more than 20 wineries is by bike. Martinborough’s long, wide streets are perfect to explore by the various bikes you can hire. There are literally bikes of all shapes and sizes perfect for the novice and most experienced riders. But its not about the bikes, its where the bikes can take you. Martinborough is one of New Zealand’s most famous wine producing areas and what better way to experience boutique wineries than by bike?

The Water Mill Bakery

One visit here and you’ll be talking about it over and over again. This is the definition of, ‘hidden gem”. Nestled in the foothills of the Tararua Forest Park is this delightful, Swiss style chalet come Pizzeria offering up the most delicious wood fire pizza. We first visited a few years ago and now whenever we have friends come and visit, we always bring them here. It is only open on a Friday evening, and bookings are essential. I would suggest calling at least a week in advance. This place is popular for very good reason. It's an experience! 

Wairarapa Dark Skies

The Wairarapa is an official dark sky reserve, and the night sky here is regarded as one of the darkest and clearest places in the world to view our star filled skies. The South and East facing Wairarapa Coast is a perfect place to watch the Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights.

PūKaha National Wildlife Center

Another place we always bring visiting friends. About a 20-minute drive from Masterton is this not-for-profit charity center managing an unfenced breeding sanctuary for native wildlife. It was the birthplace of the first white Kiwi to be hatched in captivity and is now the home to many of our other endangered animals and birdlife including the cheeky and noisy, Takahē. These birds were once considered extinct for 50 years up until 1948. Enjoy a cake out on the wildlife’s balcony and you’ll soon discover the Takahē are alive, well and love cake!

That's 5 of my favourites in the Wairarapa and where I now call home. I would also recommend checking out the picturesque town of Greytown. It's easy to see why it's such a popular place Monday through Sunday. The perfect place to stop for a coffee, beer at the famous, “White Swan Hotel”, or stroll down the very charming streets. It’s about a 20-minute drive south of Masterton on you way to Wellington.

The drive from Masterton to Wellington is approximately 1hr 40 minutes and that is where we end this memorable scenic North Island Road Trip. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have reminisced. I also hope you have become inspired to explore this road trip more on your own adventure. As for me, I think I might need to pack my bag and re-live this wee roady for another time.

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