You probably know by now that I love road trips. This Northland road trip in New Zealand was no exception!

Road trips are by far my favourite way to explore a country. This time, my road trip obsession landed in New Zealand, having been invited back over to explore the North Island by Tourism New Zealand.

I was to take on a 5-day road trip around the Northland of New Zealand (that’s the bit above Auckland right at the very top of the North Island).

Little did I know I was about to make some of my most treasured travel memories to date.

Day 2 of the road trip actually landed on my birthday and so my best friend (that moved to NZ from the UK two years ago) drove up to meet me in Paihia for a very special birthday celebration at Magic Cottage, River Takou. Check out the blog post here.

I would recommend this itinerary to anyone coming into Auckland and looking to experience some of New Zealand’s finest landscapes and offerings. Expect vast turquoise lakes, authentic Maori culture, the largest remaining kauri trees in NZ, dolphins, whales and New Zealand’s most northern point (well, nearly), Cape Reinga.

Here’s a 5-day itinerary for the perfect Northland road trip…

Day 1

Arrive in Auckland.

Drive up to Paihia and have lunch at Charlotte’s Kitchen.

Cruise the Bay of Islands.

Stay overnight at Magic Cottages. Check out my experience here.

Day 2

Cape Reinga tour.

Stay overnight in Taipa.

Day 3

Drive on and along Karekare peninsula beach.

Drive on to Ahipara.

Jump on a dune buggy and explore the dunes.

Collect some fresh mussels for dinner.

Arrive in Omapere and have dinner.

Embark on the Footprints’ Waipoua Spiritual Tour.

Day 4

Have breakfast overlooking the Omapere harbour.

Drive to Kai Iwi lakes (buy lunch on the way) and have a picnic by the lakes.

Stop at the Kauri Museum.

Head on to Warksworth and check out Goat Island.

Stay overnight in Warksworth.

Day 5

Drive the coastal route back to Auckland via Orewa.

This way you’ll miss the toll road too.

In Auckland do the sky jump or Auckland sea plane scenic flight.

Enjoy a late lunch at the fish market, wander along the harbour front and grab a drink at The Observatory and ice cream at Movenpick.

Watch the sunset from Bastion’s Point.

CHECK OUT NEW ZEALAND ON MY BLOG HERE

Have you been on a Northland road trip in New Zealand?

Where were your favourite spots? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Mollie.

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