New Zealand · 7 days · 700 km · Loop
Bay of Islands — Auckland north and back
Subtropical loop north of Auckland. 144 islands in Bay of Islands, official founding of NZ at Waitangi, Cape Reinga (where two oceans meet), 90 Mile Beach (sand highway) and back via the east coast. Family-friendly.
Highlights
- Russell (NZ's first capital)
- Hole in the Rock (boat tour)
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Cape Reinga + lighthouse
- 90 Mile Beach
- Te Paki Sand Dunes (sandboarding)
- Kauri Museum (Matakohe)
- Tane Mahuta (2,000-year-old kauri)
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Auckland → Whangarei
Auckland → Whangarei · 170 km
Overnight: Whangarei TOP 10 Holiday Park
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Day 2
Whangarei → Paihia (Bay of Islands)
Whangarei → Paihia · 70 km
- · Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Overnight: Russell-Orongo Bay Holiday Park
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Day 3
Bay of Islands — Hole in the Rock
Paihia · 30 km
- · Historic Russell
- · Boat trip
Overnight: Russell-Orongo Bay Holiday Park
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Day 4
Paihia → Cape Reinga (round trip)
Paihia → Kaitaia · 220 km
- · Cape Reinga (meeting of oceans)
- · Te Paki Sand Dunes
- · 90 Mile Beach
Overnight: Kaitaia Holiday Park
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Day 5
Kaitaia → Hokianga
Kaitaia → Opononi · 100 km
- · Hokianga Harbour
- · Tane Mahuta (sacred kauri)
Overnight: Opononi Holiday Park
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Day 6
Hokianga → Matakohe → Auckland
Opononi → Auckland · 280 km
- · Kauri Museum
Overnight: Auckland Northshore Motels
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Day 7
Auckland — drop-off
Auckland · 30 km
Recommended brands for this route
Selection based on road type and trip length. Tighter budgets — we can also quote Mighty.