Hidden Treasures of the North Island: Beaches, Lakes and Forests tour
Embark on an unforgettable exploration of New Zealand’s North Island with our Beaches, Lakes and Forests Tour
Starting from Auckland Airport, journey away from busy cities through the stunning landscapes of the Coromandel Peninsula, known for its lush forests and pristine beaches. You will discover hidden treasures like New Chums Beach and Cathedral Cove and dive into unique activities such as geothermal adventures in Taupō. This tour is perfect for those who love nature, adventure and authentic experiences. Witness the breathtaking moment when the light first meets New Zealand at East Cape. From trying surfing at Mount Maunganui to encountering wildlife on Moutohorā Island, every day is filled with new and exciting discoveries.
This tour can be enjoyed as a self-driven or privately guided tour. If you’re comfortable navigating New Zealand’s terrain and prefer setting your own pace, a self-driven tour is perfect. If you want a personalised, tailored experience with local expertise, a privately guided tour is ideal. Everything we do is custom and bespoke to meet your needs and desires.
Your 14-day road trip itinerary
YOUR DAY
205 km, 3 hours driving
Guided: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, a private driver will Meet you to begin your journey.
Self Drive: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal.
South you go. Leaving Auckland, you head for the Coromandel, a peninsula on the east coast famous for its gorgeous native bush and idyllic landscapes. En route, you’ll be able to walk through one of the regions many Kauri Tree forests, where you will be wowed by these huge forest giants. The serenity and calming atmosphere is palpable in the presence of these native kauri and it becomes easy to see why the Maori revered these beautiful trees.
You’ll follow the coast road to Coromandel to take a trip on “The Driving Creek Railway” – New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway, with a working pottery and wildlife sanctuary.
From here you continue to your accommodation in Coromandel.
YOUR DAY
55 km, 1 hours driving
This morning we recommend you get off the beaten path and explore the world famous New Chums Beach. The hills behind the one kilometre white sand beach are undeveloped and covered in native bush, adding to its unspoilt appeal.
From here you will end up in Whitianga township and Mercury Bay where there are a number of activities you can enjoy – swimming, kayaking, diving and snorkelling to name a few!
From here you can head south the natural thermal spring at Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own spa in the sand right on the shoreline. This unreal experience will leave you feeling truly connected to nature and the earth as you are warmed by the natural mineral water bubbling up from the sand itself.
You will stay close by in Hahei beach for the next few nights.
YOUR DAY
Today is free to explore the beauty of The Coromandel Peninsula. Options for the day include a glass-bottom boat trip to Cathedral Cove, horse-riding at a local farm or kayaking to the idyllic other worldly paradise of Whenuakura/Donut Island. You could also enjoy a wine tasting at the incredible Mercury Bay Winery.
YOUR DAY
156 km, 2.5 hours driving
Today you are driving to the beautiful Bay of Plenty.
First up the scenic dive along the southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula, enjoy beaches such as Ocean Beach & Whiritoa Beach. if you are feeling adventurous perhaps take a kayak out to Whenuakura Island and enjoy the famous donut shaped island.
On your way to Mount Maunganui you may wish to visit Waihi the home of gold mining in New Zealand. When you arrive feel free to explore the area, options including surfing, fishing, and the famous Mount Maunganui summit Hike!
YOUR DAY
Today is a free day to relax and surf!
White sand beaches and easily accessible surf breaks line this beautiful coastline. Featuring plenty of surf schools and a fun beach break, the Mount – as it is known by locals – is popular with both beginner and expert surfers alike. Mount Maunganui is a reasonably exposed beach break that has fairly consistent surf and can work at any time of the year.
YOUR DAY
95 km, 1 hour and 15 minutes driving
Today you will continue south driving around the beautiful Bay of Plenty to Whakatāne.
En route you may wish to visit Te Puke; the Home of kiwi fruit in New Zealand.
Whakatāne is a real hidden gem of our country with an irresistible combination of gorgeous weather, vast natural beauty, rich cultural history, and secluded beaches. We recommend you take the time to visit Moutohorā/Whale Island. This island is a pest-free oasis that is home to a number of New Zealand’s rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles including threatened tūturiwhatu/New Zealand dotterel, boisterous tīeke/North Island saddleback, Tuatara, or kākāriki/red-crowned parakeet. As you journey through the regenerated native bush before you dig yourself a soothing geothermal spring pool at Onepū Bay, Moutohorā’s secluded hot water beach.
YOUR DAY
Today you will enjoy the beautiful Whakatāne. Whakatāne is a real hidden gem of our country with an irresistible combination of gorgeous weather, vast natural beauty, rich cultural history, and secluded beaches.
This afternoon you will take a scenic flight to White Island. This continuously active volcano, where sulphur-lipped fumaroles and roaring steam vents create a stark wonderland amidst the mud and ash soaked crater which almost bisects White Island. The acid lake in the island’s depths offers an unforgettable insight into nature’s primal creativity. Full commentary, exceptional service and safety, and great value ensure you get the most from this experience. On route to White Island we will fly over farm land, white sand beaches and off shore islands. Dolphins and large schools of fish are also often seen. Once over White Island you’ll be awed by the alien landscape and power of this rumbling giant.
YOUR DAY
195 km, 3 hours driving
Today you are driving around the remote and beautiful Bay of Plenty. Enjoy the beautiful coastline as you cruise along State Highway 35, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. This rugged and rural part of New Zealand is a nexus of Maori Culture and a gorgeous place to connect with the original settlers of Aotearoa. Early afternoon you’ll arrive in Hicks Bay where the afternoon is free to explore the area, options including surfing, fishing, visiting historic Māori sites, hike to the Wairere Falls or go horse riding!
YOUR DAY
184 km, 3 hours driving
Today we suggest rising early to watch the sunrise – this part of the country is the first place in New Zealand to see the sun and you won’t regret getting out of bed early to see this beautiful spectacle! From here you start your journey south. Stop in at the Tikitiki Marae and Tologa Bay. At Tolaga Bay you have to visit the iconic (and photogenic!!) wharf that stretches for 600m!
Arriving in Gisborne, you’ll love the relaxed vibe of this seaside city. Known for the temperate climate and brilliant beaches, you’ll spend the rest of the day exploring.
YOUR DAY
Today there’s plenty of time to explore unspoilt beaches and flourishing vineyards. If you like cycling then we recommend Gisborne Railbike Adventures for a unique ride through the coastal railway.
After this you will enjoy an experience with Wild Stingray Encounters, which takes you where the wild things are. Located in stunning Tatapouri Bay just a 15-minute drive from Gisborne, this is New Zealand’s only wild stingray encounter. Enjoy an interactive reef ecology tour with wild stingrays, eagle rays and other reef dwellers abound.
This afternoon we recommend you unwind at Sunshine Brewery. Since 1989, this boutique brewery has become an iconic East Coast landmark, celebrating the important things in life: sun, surf, mates and good beer.
YOUR DAY
328 km, 5 hours driving
This morning you continue south towards the lush wine growing region of Hawke’s Bay. En route you make a detour inland towards Te Urewera and Lake Waikaremoana. This stunning area has a number of walks and is home to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. You’ll be able to spend the day exploring this beautiful and remote area. In the late afternoon you’ll continue on to Napier, the art deco capital of New Zealand.
YOUR DAY
141 km, 2 hours driving
Today you will take the drive back to Taupo where you will spend the night. Perhaps enjoy a walk along the waterfront, whack some golf balls in to the lake and land them on the floating green, enjoy a cruise out to the Maori carvings on the opposite side of the lake, take a scenic flight over some of NZ’s most active volcanoes or even try out a skydive (all activities optional – extra cost)
YOUR DAY
Start your day in Taupo, a town renowned for its stunning lake and vibrant geothermal activity. Begin with a visit to the Craters of the Moon Taupō Geothermal Walk, where you can explore the otherworldly landscape of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and expansive craters formed by geothermal activity beneath the earth’s surface. After your geothermal adventure, consider unwinding at the Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa. Here, you can soak in the rejuvenating waters of naturally heated geothermal pools, set amidst serene terraced landscapes.
In the afternoon, take advantage of Taupo’s beautiful natural surroundings with a scenic cruise on Lake Taupo. This relaxing boat trip offers stunning views of the lake’s crystal-clear waters and the surrounding landscapes, including the impressive Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a short drive to Tongariro National Park for an evening stroll or a more vigorous hike. The park, a dual World Heritage site, offers a range of trails that showcase its dramatic volcanic landscapes, native bush, and diverse ecosystems.
Today you will drive North to Auckland. if you wish you could visit Hamilton, which is famous for its botanic gardens. The Hamilton Gardens are famous for their beauty and complexity. The gardens have been developed from an old rubbish dump on site back in the 60s to the stunning masterpiece they are today. For more than 4,000 years garden design has been a serious art form reflecting different: lifestyles, religious beliefs, contemporary arts, social structures, philosophies and the changing attitudes to nature. The collection of gardens being developed at Hamilton Gardens won’t just address the context, meaning and history of gardens. When complete it will also reflect the evolution of civilisation.
Following this you will drive back to Auckland for your onward travel arrangements. We trust you have had a fantastic time in our beautiful country and wish you safe travels to your next destination.
Why book a privately guided road trip
Alex
General Manager
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