North Island Beaches to Mountains + Waterfalls - 9 Day Itinerary

Rach Stewart - (rachstewartnz)
Itinerary created by
Rach Stewart
What you’ll do

This itinerary is the ultimate way to experience some of the best North Island beaches, mountains and waterfalls on a 9 day journey across the upper and central North Island, a route I have taken on many of my own personal photography trips. The photos speak for themselves and I can't think of a better way to explore the white sandy coastlines of the North Island as well as the volcanic and mountainous terrain of the Central Plateau than by going to these favourite spots of mine.

This adventure will take you from Auckland to the incredible coastal Coromandel Region, down to the Bay of Plenty, then on to volcanic regions of Rotorua and Taupo, across to the Central Plateau mountains, back up to the magical little town of Raglan stopping by Hobbiton on the way, and then finishing in Auckland covering some of the most incredible photo locations New Zealand has to offer.

This itinerary is designed if you are travelling in a campervan or self driving on a budget.

Start your journey by collecting your rental car and/or camper (if required) and heading to the supermarket to grab food supplies. It is usually cheaper to shop in the bigger cities like Auckland.

1

Britz Campervans Auckland
Britz Campervans Auckland
Explore NZ by camper from Auckland
Category
Car Rental
Est. Price
$

3 km (1.9 mi)

6 min

2

Omega Rental Cars - Auckland Airport Car Hire
Omega Rental Cars - Auckland Airport Car Hire
Car rental from Auckland Airport
Category
Car Rental
Est. Price
$

161.7 km (100.5 mi)

2 hr 30 min

Although we are starting in Auckland, we're actually going to drive out of the city and head to Coromandel and experience Auckland on the way back.

Drive to Waiau Falls Coromandel (2 hours 40 minutes)

3

Waiau Falls Coromandel
Waiau Falls Coromandel
Stunning waterfall in the Coromandel
Category
Waterfall

678 m (0.4 mi)

1 min

After checking out the falls head to the Waiau Kauri Trees (5 min)

4

Waiau Kauri Grove Coromandel
Waiau Kauri Grove Coromandel
Majestic kauri giants in forest
Category
Sightseeing

11.3 km (7 mi)

16 min

Head to The Pepper Tree for lunch

5

Pepper Tree Restaurant and Bar Coromandel
Pepper Tree Restaurant and Bar Coromandel
Fresh seafood & modern NZ cuisine
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
Any

18 km (11.2 mi)

22 min

For the afternoon head to Whangapoua (25 mins from Coromandel Town) to check out the beach. Take the walk over to New Chums Beach. Be sure to stop at the New Chums Beach lookout on the way back for sunset.

6

Whangapoua Beach Coromandel
Whangapoua Beach Coromandel
Stunning beach with crystal-clear waters
Category
Sightseeing

1.5 km (0.9 mi)

2 min

7

New Chums Beach Coromandel
New Chums Beach Coromandel
Spectacular secluded beach and lookout
Category
Photospot

6.5 km (4 mi)

7 min

Check in to your accommodation at either Whangapoua, Matarangi or Kuaotunu (all within 30 minutes)

8

Choose the option that fits you the best

Whangapoua Holiday Park Coromandel
Whangapoua Holiday Park Coromandel
Camping and campervan parking near New Chums
Category
Campsite
Est. Price
$

8 km (5 mi)

6 min

9

Choose the option that fits you the best

Coromandel Luxury Escapes Matarangi
Coromandel Luxury Escapes Matarangi
Boutique glamping by the water
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$$

5.6 km (3.5 mi)

5 min

10

Choose the option that fits you the best

Kuaotunu Campground Coromandel
Kuaotunu Campground Coromandel
Relaxing holiday on NZ's coast
Category
Campsite
Est. Price
$

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