New Zealand is an amazing country with wonderful destinations to discover. Oceans, forests, mountains, you have plenty of options to enjoy the North Island. Here is a selection of our favourite places
Coromandel and Cathedral Cove
First Stop
Coromandel Peninsula is an Aucklander’s favourite destination as it’s only about a 2 hour 30 drive East from Auckland. Cathedral Cove is close to Hahei, a small summer village on the east coast, with lots of caravan parks and hotels. In summer time, however, it becomes quite busy with tourists, so try to arrive early enough to park at Cathedral Cove car park (on top of the cliff) and you won’t have to walk.
Cathedral Cove is a dreamy beach with golden sand and turquoise water where you can chill for the day or kayak and snorkel if you feel like it. You have to walk 30mins to reach the cove, where you’ll be surrounded by beautiful small islands like in Thailand.
Our tip: get up early in the morning to catch the sunrise – guaranteed sensations!
Cape Reinga
Stop 2
Cape Reinga is the most northern point in New Zealand, where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet each other. A mix of green and blue colours leave you speechless when you get there. Here, you can take part in a few walks and treks ranging between 30 minutes and 3 days. This isolated location at the end of the country is picturesque and peaceful.
Our tip: the closest free camp is about 3 hours driving so you need almost the whole day to visit Cape Reinga if you want a free night. There are just a few caravan parks in this part of New Zealand – be warned!
Waipoua Forest
Stop 3