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The North Island has great roads and beautiful scenic drives, perfect for a road trip. You’ll see green farms, quiet beaches, amazing views, and big mountains.
- There are lots of great drives to check out. If you want to find the best ones, keep reading!
1. Murupara to Wairoa
The drive from Murupara to Wairoa on State Highway 38 is a quiet and beautiful route.
Many locals still ride horseback through this area. If you visit in winter, don’t miss Lake Waikaremoana—it’s worth the trip for the amazing views.
The road is narrow and winding, but the views will make you want to stop and take it all in.
🚙 Murupara to Wairoa Road Trip (Insights)
Some interesting facts about this scenic drive:
- Remote & Peaceful: One of the least-traveled highways in the North Island.
- Horseback Travel: Many locals still use horses instead of cars.
- No Gas Stations: Fuel up before starting—services are scarce.
- Rainforest Drive: Passes through Te Urewera, a dense, untouched forest.
- Lake Waikaremoana: Home to one of NZ’s Great Walks with epic lake views.
- Gravel Sections: Parts of the road are unsealed, so drive carefully.
- Historic Significance: Once a key Māori route, rich in history and culture.
2. Taihape to Napier
This part of the North Island is known for Gentle Annie, the steepest slope between Taihape and Napier.
The drive takes you through farmland and past tall trees.
You’ll see plenty of rolling hills, perfect for photos.
In winter, the wind can be strong, so take care—but the snowy mountains are a great sight!
Gentle Annie was once a rugged Māori trading route before becoming a scenic road trip spot!
🚙 Taihape to Napier Road Trip (Insights)
You can consider the following activities:
- Drive through farmland with rolling hills and open spaces.
- Stop for wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay, known for its vineyards.
- If you take a detour, check out the hot springs in geothermal areas.
- Camp under the stars at campgrounds along the way.
- Enjoy local cafés and restaurants in Napier.
- Catch views of the Pacific Ocean as you drive.
- Explore Napier’s Art Deco buildings and galleries.
- Try to get to Napier in time for a beautiful sunset by the coast.
3. Maungatapere to Kaikohe
On the way to the Bay of Islands, avoid the busy main roads and try the quieter backroads. These lead you through tropical orchards, hills, and volcanic views.
If you want a taste of country life, this scenic drive is perfect.
Along the way, enjoy the beautiful landscapes, and consider stopping at Wairua Falls and the Wairua River for a little extra adventure.
🚙 Maungatapere to Kaikohe Road Trip (Insights)
Some interesting places and activities along the drive:
- Rural Charm: Maungatapere offers a peaceful start with its beautiful farmland.
- Whangarei Falls: Take a short detour to see the stunning waterfall surrounded by greenery.
- Puketi Forest: Visit this ancient forest with kauri trees and birdlife if you have time.
- Kiwi Fruit Orchards: Stop at a local orchard to taste fresh kiwi fruit.
- Historical Sites in Kaikohe: Explore historic spots like the Wairere Boulders and Maungatapere Pa.
- Sunset at Hokianga: End your journey with a stunning sunset at Hokianga Harbour.
4. Stratford to Taumarunui
Get in touch with the Northern Island as you pass through the Forgotten World Highway and stumble upon Whangamomona.
The settlement is independent, but locals welcome adventurers to their paradise. There’s a burrow through the town that leads to beautiful mountain views.
The drive from Stratford to Taumarunui is about 160 kilometers (100 miles) and typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
🚙 Stratford to Taumarunui Road Trip (Insights)
Some things and activities to consider while travelling on this scenic drive:
- Taranaki Views: See the impressive Mount Taranaki as you leave Stratford.
- Forgotten World Highway (SH 43): Take the winding, scenic route through quiet landscapes and historic sites.
- Tongariro National Park: Enjoy the stunning volcanic mountains as you get closer to Taumarunui.
- Mangapurua Track (Bridge to Nowhere): Hike to the Bridge to Nowhere for a fun adventure.
- Whanganui River: Take a break for a peaceful river cruise or canoe trip.
- Laurens Lavender Farm: Stop and relax in the beautiful lavender fields.
5. Westport to Kohaihai
There’s no other route that will lead you through magnificent views of rainforests such as the Karamea Highway.
You can catch a glimpse of wild animals as they linger to watch the sea and its untold mysteries.
If you’re looking for adrenaline-filled activities along your journey, the North Island beach is perfect for surfers.
Even if you only want to take in the crystal water’s beauty or interact with some townspeople, you won’t go wrong with this route.
🚙 Westport to Kohaihai Road Trip (Insights)
You could consider the following stops and activities:
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks: Stop at Punakaiki to see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes made by the sea.
- Great Coast Road (SH 6): Drive along the Great Coast Road for beautiful views of the coast.
- West Coast Beaches: Walk along the wild beaches with driftwood.
- Seafood in Westport: Try fresh seafood like whitebait fritters or green-lipped mussels in Westport.
- Tasman Sea Views: Enjoy views of the Tasman Sea and watch for seals or dolphins.
- Kahurangi National Park: Explore Kahurangi National Park, with its forests and mountains.
- Camper Stops: If you’re in a camper, stop at places to rest and enjoy the view,
6. Waikato River
The Waikato River is a long stream in New Zealand’s North Island. It starts at Mount Ruapehu, flows through Lake Taupo, and ends at the Tasman Sea.
The river is popular for boat rides and fishing for tasty trout.
Along the way, you’ll find stunning views, especially on the Kauri Loop Track and in the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve.
If you need to break the monotony of driving around, you’re welcome to hike up Karioi Summit Track or take a bike ride along the adventure.
🚙 Waikato Road Trip (Insights)
There are plenty of things to do in Waikato area, some of the most interesting ones are:
Hobbiton Movie Set (Matamata): Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and walk through the Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Raglan Surf Beach: Relax at Raglan’s beach and catch some great waves.
Waikato River Trails: Walk or bike along the Waikato River Trails for stunning views.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari: Explore a predator-free sanctuary and see native wildlife.
Kayaking on Lake Karapiro: Paddle on Lake Karapiro and enjoy the calm and nature.
7. Auckland to Napier through Whakatane
As you go through this scenic route, you will have a chance to find adventure in the Coromandel Peninsula and enjoy the warm coastal scenery.
You can rest at Whakatane, then get to Napier and enjoy the wineries and art deco.
The drive from Auckland to Napier via Whakatane is about 450-500 km and takes around 7 to 8 hours.
🚙 Auckland to Napier through Whakatane Road Trip (Insights)
Hot spots and things you can do along the drive:
Coromandel Peninsula: Start your journey with a scenic drive through the Coromandel Peninsula, known for its stunning beaches, forests, and Cathedral Cove.
Pacific Coast Highway (SH 25A): Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway for amazing coastal views and towns like Tairua and Whangamata.
Whakatane: Visit Whakatane, a coastal town close to White Island (Whakaari). You can take a boat tour to see the active volcano.
Te Urewera National Park: Explore Te Urewera National Park with its beautiful forests, lakes, and hiking trails.
Rotorua’s Geothermal Wonders: Stop by Rotorua to see geysers, hot springs, and experience Maori culture. Try a traditional Hangi meal.
Lake Tarawera: Relax by Lake Tarawera and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You can take a boat tour or have a picnic by the lake.
🗾 If you want to check more scenic routes, we have prepared another article for the Best Scenic Routes in the South Island, New Zealand
