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Auckland to Cape Reinga Road Trip Campervan Itinerary
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8 days Auckland to Cape Reinga New Zealand Itinerary | To the top and back
Head north from Auckland following the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. Take a detour along the Whangaparaoa Peninsula north of Auckland, before travelling further north over the Brynderwyn Hills to Whangarei. Cross to the West Coast and over the Hokianga Harbour to Kaitaia, Ahipara and then Cape Reinga at the very top of New Zealand. Return via the lovely island-studded East Coast.
Itinerary Highlights:
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Tiritiri Matangi predator-free island and bird sanctuary
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Waipoua Forest and the majestic 'Tane Mahuta'
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Surfing (or watching surfers) at Shipwreck Bay
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Cape Reinga - where the Tasman and Pacific Oceans meet
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Secluded and unspoiled white sandy beaches
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Swimming with dolphins, tall ship sailing and learning about New Zealand's history in the Bay of Islands
Pick up and drop off location: Auckland
Table of Contents
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1
AUCKLAND - SHAKESPEAR REGIONAL PARK
Today depart Auckland and head north over the Harbour Bridge to the Rodney district. If you’re not in a rush, take the coastal road and explore the lovely beaches and bays of the North Shore beaches.
Turn right at Silverdale and drive along the Whangaparaoa Peninsula to Shakespear Regional Park. Spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful area – there’s plenty to see and do on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. We recommend you take the ferry from Gulf Harbour to Tiritiri Matangi, a predator-free island which is home to many native New Zealand birds. Overnight at the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
49 km
1 hour
Overnight Stay
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2
SHAKESPEAR REGIONAL PARK - WHANGAREI
Travel back along the Peninsula today and turn off at Red Beach. Next stop is the coastal town of Orewa Beach, a popular retirement town with a lovely safe beach. Drive north from here – there are many interesting places to stop. Travel over the Brynderwyn Hills to arrive in Whangarei. Overnight in or around Whangarei.
Things to see and do between Orewa and Whangarei.
146 km
2 hours, 5 minutes
Overnight Stay
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3
WHANGAREI - OPONONI
via WAIPOUA FOREST
Today cross from the east coast to the west via State Highway 14. From Dargaville, head north parallel to the coast and through the Waipoua Forest to Opononi, at the mouth of the Hokianga Harbour. Make sure you stop at Tane Mahuta, a majestic giant kauri tree. Overnight in or near Opononi.
140 km
2 hours, 10 minutes
Overnight Stay
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4
OPONONI - AHIPARA
Today drive next to the Hokianga Harbour to Rawene where you can take the short ferry trip across the harbour to continue your journey north (there is an alternative route around the harbour by road if you prefer). Arrive at Ahipara and, at the southern end of the beach, Shipwreck Bay – a beautiful beach popular with surfers, with a number of wrecks visible at low tide. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Bay and watching the surfing – maybe give it a try yourself. Overnight at Ahipara.
189 km
2 hours, 20 minutes
Overnight Stay
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5
AHIPARA - KAITAIA - CAPE REINGA
Depart Ahipara, travelling alongside the Herekino Forest to the town of Kaitaia – this is the largest major settlement on State Highway 1. From here you’ll drive north parallel to Ninety Mile Beach, right up to Cape Reinga – the very northernmost point of New Zealand. Spend some time exploring the Cape and marvel at this meeting point of the Tasman and Pacific oceans. Overnight near the Cape, at one of the beautiful spots on the East Coast.
124 km
1 hour, 40 minutes
Overnight Stay
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6
CAPE REINGA - MATAURI BAY
Today travel south again from Cape Reinga, turning east at Awanui to join State Highway 10 which will take you past countless beautiful beaches. Be sure to stop in Mangonui at the famous fish and chip shop – a great place for lunch. Overnight in Matauri Bay or one of the many other picture-perfect beaches and bays in the area.
181 km
2 hours, 30 minutes
Overnight Stay
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7
MATAURI BAY - PAIHIA
Take the short drive from Matauri Bay to Paihia, in the Bay of Islands, today. There are plenty of interesting and historic places to stop and explore en route.
We recommend you take the ferry over to the town of Russell to explore New Zealand’s first capital city. Paihia is also an excellent place to go sailing in a tall ship or swim with dolphins. Overnight in Paihia.
Things to see and do in the Bay of Islands.
54 km
45 minutes
Overnight Stay
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8
PAIHIA - AUCKLAND
Head south from Paihia back to Auckland today – either drive straight down State Highway 1 or if you’d like to explore, take Highway 16 via Auckland’s West Coast beaches.
288 km
3 hours
