Top Scenic Drives in the North Island That Are Campervan-Friendly

Travelling by campervan is one of the best ways to experience New Zealand's North Island. It gives you every opportunity to explore at your own pace, all while keeping creature comforts close by. The good news? The North Island's packed with drives that deliver big on scenery, smooth roads, and easy places to park up for the night.

We've spent years chasing waves, winding through backroads, and figuring out which routes are worth it - and which ones are better skipped. So if you're after practical tips and information and want to plan a road trip like a local, you're in the right place.

And if you're kicking things off from the city, our Auckland campervan rental setup makes it easy to hit the road from day one. Let's get into the good stuff - here are our top North Island drives that are made for campervan travel.

1) Auckland to the Bay of Islands (via Whangārei)

This one's a North Island classic. Heading from Auckland to the Bay of Islands gives you a mix of rolling farmland, coastal views, and laid-back beach towns worth pulling over for.

We always recommend pulling over in Whangārei to stretch the legs and check out the waterfall - it's an easy detour and worth the time. From there, keep cruising north to Paihia and Russell for beach swims, boat trips, and a dose of New Zealand history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. If you've got extra time, take the long way around via the Tutukaka Coast - epic views and usually fewer people.

The roads are smooth and sealed the whole way, so it's a great intro route if you're new to campervanning. And there's a good balance of freedom camping spots and holiday parks along the way, depending on how you like to travel.

2) Coromandel Peninsula Loop

The Coromandel's a go-to for good reason - white-sand beaches, dense bush, and winding coastal roads that make for an epic campervan loop.

Start in Thames, head up the west coast to Coromandel Town, then cross over to Whitianga and continue past Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Some of the roads are narrow and winding, especially along the coast, so take it slow and enjoy the views.

Give yourself 3 to 4 days to do it properly. There are great DOC campsites and powered options around Whitianga, Hahei, and further up the coast if you want to get off the grid for a night or two.

3) Auckland to Rotorua (via Hobbiton and Matamata)

If you're heading inland, this route gives you a solid mix of rolling farmland, steaming geothermal spots, and a few good detours along the way.

Hobbiton's just off the main drag and worth a stop, especially if you're into film locations or a fan of Lord of The Rings. From there, carry on through Matamata and down to Rotorua, where you'll find hot springs, mud pools, and loads of cultural experiences to check out.

The roads are smooth and easy driving, and both Hobbiton and Rotorua are well set up for campervans. Rotorua's also packed with holiday parks - some with thermal pools, so you can soak after a big drive.

4) Thermal Explorer Highway (Rotorua – Taupō – Napier)

This inland route is made for travellers keen on hot springs, hikes, and long lake swims. It links some of the North Island's best geothermal spots with epic views and wide-open roads.

Start in Rotorua, head south to Taupō for Huka Falls and lakeside walks, then carry on to Napier - home to surf beaches, sunshine, and Art Deco streets. The whole route is sealed and easy to drive, with solid campervan facilities all the way. Rotorua's known for its holiday parks, while Taupō and Napier both have freedom camping options close to the action.

5) Forgotten World Highway (Taumarunui to Stratford)

If you're after something a bit rougher and remote, the Forgotten World Highway is a wild ride worth the effort. The road's narrow, winding, and sometimes unsealed so it's better suited to confident drivers in smaller campervans.

Along the way, you'll roll through farmland, bush-covered hills, and the one and only Republic of Whangamōmona. It feels like stepping back in time. Services are few and far between, so make sure you top up your tank and stock up on supplies before you hit the road.

6) Taupō to Tongariro National Park

This short but scenic route takes you from Lake Taupō's shores up into the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park. It's the perfect base if you're planning to tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing - one of the world's best day hikes.

On a clear day, the views of Mount Ngauruhoe (aka Mount Doom) are seriously epic. National Park Village has plenty of DOC campsites and holiday parks, and the roads are sealed and easy to drive all year round.

7) Taranaki Surf Highway (State Highway 45)

For easy coastal driving with Mount Taranaki as your backdrop, State Highway 45 is a solid choice. It's mostly flat and straightforward - perfect for a chilled campervan trip.

New Plymouth's a great spot to base yourself, but don't miss the smaller towns like ōakura, Opunake, and the Cape Egmont Lighthouse. The surf here's killer year-round, especially through autumn and winter when the swell's at its best. And if you're keen on walking, there are heaps of tracks around Mount Taranaki that'll get you out into the bush and fresh air.

The roads are well maintained, and you'll find plenty of beachside camping spots to wake up close to the surf.

There's no shortage of epic drives on the North Island, and doing them by campervan makes the whole experience better. You get to wake up to a new view every morning, cook your meals by the beach, and explore at your own pace.