Ultimate Campervan Road Trip Itinerary for Discovering Northland

Hit the northern edge of Aotearoa in a comfy campervan on this 5–7-day loop from Auckland. Our Northland itinerary links Waipū’s surf, Tutukākā’s dive spots, the historic Bay of Islands and Waipoua Forest’s giant kauri - perfect overnight stops included.

Northland's made for the open road. The scenery's varied, the drives are short enough to take your time, and you're rarely more than 30 minutes from the coast. Plus, there are plenty of spots to park up and camp overnight.

Got five to seven days? Here's how we at Big Little Campers would do it—covering everything from Māori history to some of the best fish and chips you'll find.

A Few Practical
Tips

Campervan rental in NZ's North Island is easiest when you know what kind of trip you want. Northland is pretty well set up for campervans, so you don't need a huge rig. A compact, comfy van usually does the trick.
Always check ahead with the Department of Conservation (DOC) sites and local councils about freedom camping rules and availability. Most towns in Northland have at least one designated spot for self-contained vans, but there may be times you'll need to park elsewhere.
The weather can shift quickly up here, so be sure to bring layers, even in the summer.

Northland Route Overview

Day 1: Auckland to Waipū

From Auckland, Waipū makes a great first stop thanks to its small-town, surfy feel and a beach that never gets too crowded. When the tide's up, Waipū Cove is great for a swim, but a walk at low tide is worth it too.

If you've got the time, head inland and check out the Waipū Caves. You can camp right at the reserve or choose a local holiday park if you want a few more comforts.

Day 2: Waipū to Whangārei Falls and Tutukākā

Next up, cruise north to Whangārei. Grab a feed or coffee around the Town Basin before heading out to stretch your legs with a short walk to Whangārei Falls — it's a solid spot to get the blood flowing.

From there, head east to Tutukākā. If you're into diving, definitely bring your gear — the water here's amazing. Even if you're just chilling, it's a beautiful spot to park up for the night. You can camp near the marina or book a spot at a nearby DOC campsite.

Day 3: Tutukākā to Russell via Helena Bay

If you're short on time, head straight to the Bay of Islands. But if you've got the chance, take the coastal route via Helena Bay — it's a great way to soak up some classic Northland coastline.

In Russell, Flagstaff Hill (Maiki Hill) packs a bit of history, stunning views, and a café where you can grab a late brekkie to fuel up.

From there, roll on to Oakura and Rawhiti — perfect spots to jump in for a swim or just take a breather.

Russell's loaded with history and a lively waterfront scene. It's the kind of place you want to stick around for a while. Swing by the Duke of Marlborough for a cold one or some top-notch fish and chips with a view.

Day 4: Bay of Islands to Kerikeri

Spend the morning wandering Russell before catching the ferry to Opua and driving through to Kerikeri. This town's full of good food, markets with great local produce, and interesting attractions. The Stone Store and Mission House are worth a look if you're into early settler history, and Rainbow Falls is an easy walk from town. There's a bunch of campervan-friendly spots around Kerikeri, including proper holiday parks and off-grid DOC sites.

Day 5: Kerikeri to Hokianga via the Twin Coast Discovery Route

From Kerikeri, you'll now head west on the scenic route to the Hokianga. There's rarely any traffic, and you'll soon hit Ōpononi and Ōmāpere, sitting right on the edge of the harbour. If you're up for it, book a sandboarding tour across the harbour to the dunes, or just walk the beaches and wait for the sunset.

Day 6: Hokianga to Waipoua Forest to Kai Iwi Lakes

Before leaving the West Coast, make time for Waipoua Forest to visit Tane Mahuta, one of the largest living kauri trees in Aotearoa. The energy in that forest is something else, and you'll want to take it all in with a short hike.

From there, head south to Kai Iwi Lakes — a fresh-water change after all those ocean swims. The area has excellent camping and plenty of trails if you want to stretch your legs before settling in for the night.

Day 7: Kai Iwi Lakes back to Auckland

Time to wind things down. Head back to the city, maybe stopping in Dargaville or Matakohe on the way if you're not in a rush. Matakohe's got a surprisingly good museum about kauri gum and early settler life if you're in the mood for one last stop.

Why Choose Us?

Renting from Big Little Campers means you're not just getting a van — you're getting a rig built by people who've hit these roads themselves, again and again. We know the spots worth your time, the best places to park up, and which detours are worth skipping if you're tight on time. If you're after a proper Kiwi road trip with freedom and no fuss, have a look at our vans and start planning your Northland adventure with us.