Thermal Highway
Te Puia, Rotorua, North Island - Image: Robert Linsdell / Flickr
New Zealand’s famous Thermal Explorer Highway runs south from Auckland to Napier and includes some of the island’s best hot springs. The drive takes about 6 hours in total and is best enjoyed over 4–5 days.
Highlights:
- Hamilton and the nearby surf beaches of Raglan
- Geothermal mud pools and geysers in Rotorua
- Lake Taupō (largest freshwater lake in Australaisa)
- Napier wine country and seaside scenery
Suggested itinerary:
- Day 1: Drive to Hamilton and Raglan
- Stop/overnight at Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park
- Rotorua (geothermal attractions) - Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park
- Taupō (lakeside activities)
- Napier (wineries, beachfront)
Recommended TOP 10 Holiday Parks:
Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Auckland to Bay of Islands
Whangarei Falls, Northland - Image: John Willoughby / Flickr
Driving north from Auckland takes you through beaches, friendly towns, and sites of historical and cultural significance.
Highlights:
- Coastal drive to Whangarei
- Tutukaka coastline
- Bay of Islands (Paihia, Russell)
Suggested itinerary:
- Coastal road to Whangarei (beach stops)
- Option: detour to Tutukaka coastline
- Bay of Islands: Paihia and Russell
Recommended TOP 10 Holiday Parks:
Whangarei TOP 10 Holiday Park, (near Quayside Town Basin and Marina)
Russell TOP 10 Holiday Park (short ferry ride from Paihia)
Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park (close to town)
Coromandel Peninsula to Whakatane
Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty - Image: Chris Thompson / Flickr
The Pacific Coast Highway from the Coromandel to Whakatāne offers beaches, wineries, and volcanic attractions – allow at least a week.
Highlights:
- Coromandel Peninsula beaches (Whitianga, Whangamata)
- Hot Water Beach
- White Island (active marine volcano) off Whakatāne
Suggested itinerary:
- Drive south from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula
- Explore Whitianga, Whangamata, Hot Water Beach
- Continue south to Whakatāne
Recommended TOP 10 Holiday Parks:
Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
East Cape Explorer
Wainui Beach, Okitu, Gisborne - Image: Tyler Lastovich / Flickr
Follow the coastal road from Whakatāne to Gisborne along the Pacific Coast Highway for scenic coastal towns and wineries.
Highlights:
- Coastal towns and beaches
- Gisborne wineries and historic sites (including original Māori meeting houses)
Suggested itinerary:
- Spend a night or two in Gisborne to explore the region and wineries
Recommended TOP 10 Holiday Park:
Waikanae Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Wellington to New Plymouth
Whanganui River, Manawatu - Image Jason Pratt / Flickr
The 400 km drive from Wellington to New Plymouth can be done in under 5 hours, but allow a couple of days to take in the sights.
Highlights:
- Coastal and forest scenery through Tararua and Kaweka areas
- Otaki (local produce)
- Whanganui (cafes, Durie Hill Elevator, views of Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu)
- Whanganui National Park
Suggested itinerary:
- Start at Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park
- North along the coast via Otaki
- Stop in Whanganui
- Continue to New Plymouth
Recommended TOP 10 Holiday Park:
Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Whanganui to Rotorua
Globelet, Lake Taupo - Image: Ryan Everton / Unsplash
This route includes impressive natural sites and hiking trails, and is ideal for those wanting volcanics and geothermal attractions.
Highlights:
- Ohakune and Mt Ruapehu
- Lake Taupō
- Rotorua geothermal attractions
- Desert Road scenic detour (views of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, Tongariro)
Suggested itinerary:
- Start in Ohakune (stay at Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park)
- Travel to Lake Taupō
- Continue to Rotorua for lakes and geothermal sights
Recommended TOP 10 Holiday Parks:
Motutere Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park
Auckland to Whatuwhiwhi
Tokerau Beach, Northland - Image: Mark Whatmough / Flickr
This trip explores the rugged northeast coast and peaceful beaches.
Highlights:
- Kauri forests and Tane Mahuta giant kauri tree
- Beaches at Omapere and Kaikohe region
Suggested itinerary:
- Drive to Dargaville - stay near the Kauri Coast
- Continue north via Omapere and Kaikohe toward Whatuwhiwhi
Recommended TOP 10 Holiday Park:
Kauri Coast TOP 10 Holiday Park
Wellington to Hastings
Toast Martinborough, Wellington - Image: Rob Marson/ Flickr
Wellington to Hastings is about a 4-hour inland drive with forest parks and plenty to see en route.
Highlights:
- Tararua and Kaweka Forest Parks
- Hastings city (cafe culture, food and wine tours)
Suggested stop:
- Martinborough for the wineries
Recommended TOP 10 Holiday Park: