Auckland to Cape Reinga Road Trip - Best Drive Itinerary

There’s something magical about taking a road trip: the open road, the anticipation of what’s ahead, the freedom to stop wherever the mood takes you. One of New Zealand’s most satisfying road trips is the one that runs north from Auckland to Cape Reinga, which cuts a swathe through some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.

Whether it’s an off-the-beaten-path holiday or simply packing your bags for a long weekend, the Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip promises breathtaking scenery and hidden treasures at every turn. But where are some absolute must-see places to stop on the road? That’s just what you’ll find as we take you through the must-visit destinations between Auckland and Cape Reinga.

Quick stats

669km trip distance

3-5 day roadtrip

Campervan recommended

road trip map

Puhoi

Your first stop should be Puhoi, a little village that is filled with history. Settled by Bohemian immigrants in the 1860s, Puhoi’s European roots are still visible in its architecture and traditions, and one of the highlights here is the Puhoi Pub, where you can soak up a bit of the town’s quirky personality over a pint and some delicious food. History lovers will also enjoy the Puhoi Historical Museum, which gives you a great glimpse into the town’s past, and for the more adventurous, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard and exploring the Puhoi River.

Warkworth

Just up the road is Warkworth, a pretty little town that acts as the entryway to the Matakana Coast. This is a fantastic place to stretch your legs and wander around the beautifully laid-out riverbank walks, including the old Cement Works ruins, which is just the place to explore and take a few snaps. Or, if you’re looking for something a little different, Warkworth has a small planetarium and observatory where, on clear nights, you can gaze at the stars and try to locate the planets.

Matakana

Matakana is a must-stop for food and wine lovers. Best known for its farmers’ market, which is open every Saturday morning, this is the perfect place to stock up on fresh local produce, artisan bread, and boutique cheeses. If you are more interested in New Zealand’s wine-growing scene, then a few vineyards close by come with wine tasting facilities; the most famous is Brick Bay Wines, where you may sip your glass of wine while meandering along their sculpture trail-outdoor gallery of contemporary art amidst the vines and native bush.

Goat Island Marine Reserve

A slight detour off the main road takes you to Goat Island Marine Reserve, New Zealand’s first-ever marine reserve. This is where you want to pull over and get your snorkelling gear out! The clear waters here are swarming with marine life, and you’re also able to spot fish easily just from standing on the rocks, so if you’re not feeling like getting wet, there’s no need to! For those who do prefer to stay dry, there is a glass-bottom boat tour that allows you to be seated comfortably while peeking into the underwater world; and for those want to stay on land, the coastline is perfect for walks and spotting wildlife.

Whangarei

Whangarei is the largest city in the Northland and is a great spot to stop and spend a couple of days if you’re taking a longer break. No trip here is complete without a visit to the Whangarei Falls, a beautiful 26-metre cascade that is easily accessible by a short walk. For a bit more of an adventure, head to the nearby Parihaka Scenic Reserve, where you’ll find a moderately challenging hike up Mount Parihaka and views over Whangarei and the harbour that are well worth the effort.

If you have a bit more time, we also suggest making your way to the Whangarei Heads area for some beautiful beaches and hiking trails. The Abbey Caves is also a particularly exciting stop here, consisting of three limestone caves full of glow worms – just remember to bring along your torch so you can explore them deeply.

Tutukaka Coast

A short drive east from Whangarei takes you to the Tutukaka Coast, known as the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands, a world-renowned marine reserve. This is a place that any diving enthusiast needs to visit, with coral gardens, colourful fish and even underwater arches and caves. But if diving isn’t your thing, don’t worry – the coastline itself still has plenty to enjoy. The beaches are pristine, and places like Matapouri and Whale Bay are perfect for a swim or a picnic. Also, for that perfect Instagram shot, take the hike down to Mermaid Pools – natural tidal pools placed right along the rocky shoreline.

Waipoua Forest

Leaving the coast and heading inland, Waipoua Forest is a humbling reminder of New Zealand’s ancient past. This dense rainforest is home to some of the country’s oldest and largest kauri trees, including the famous Tane Mahuta, which stands a towering 51 metres tall. Often referred to as the “Lord of the Forest”, there’s something deeply spiritual about standing underneath this 2,500 year old tree, but it’s not the only thing on offer here. The forest is also home to other significant trees, including the Te Matua Ngahere, a massive kauri with a circumference of nearly 17 metres!

Hokianga Harbour

Hokianga Harbour is a place where time appears to have stood still, and mile upon mile of sand dunes line this harbour and its peaceful waters. Opononi is the perfect spot to base yourself while exploring the harbour, and you can even take a boat tour across to the dunes for some sandboarding if you’re feeling adventurous! Don’t miss the stunning lookouts at Arai Te Uru Reserve while here for panoramic views out over the harbour and onto the Tasman Sea.

Not so into adventure? For something a bit more low-key, try the small town of Rawene, from which you can catch the ferry across the harbour, check out one of several local art galleries or simply sit down to a cup of coffee at one of the quaint cafes that line the waterfront.

Ninety Mile Beach

Stretching out as far as the eye can see, Ninety Mile Beach is one of the best places to stop if you’re hoping to catch an incredible sunset dipping into the Tasman Sea in a blaze of orange and red. There are some beautiful walking trails along the beach as well, adding to the romance and adventure of the area and creating a truly memorable experience. Or, for something a little different and to help break up the drive, try your hand at sandboarding on the Te Paki Sand Dunes, located near the northern end of the beach.

Cape Reinga

At the very top of the North Island is Cape Reinga, one of the most spiritually significant places in New Zealand. According to Maori tradition, this is where the spirits of the deceased leave the Earth before descending into the underworld to return to their homeland of Hawaiki. The windswept landscape, with the iconic Cape Reinga Lighthouse standing proudly at the edge of the land, adds to the sense of awe and reverence you’ll feel when you reach this point.

Cape Reinga is also where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, and on a clear day, you can actually see the two bodies of water colliding in a swirl of currents. Even though this is the end of your journey, you should take your time here, walking the short trail to the lighthouse and soaking in the incredible panoramic views.