Auckland to Palmerston North Road Trip

Before you jump in your campervan and get going, take some time to soak in everything Auckland has to offer. It may be a big, busy city, but it’s got some fantastic spots that are worth visiting, and that let you start your adventure before you even hit the road. Before you leave town, we recommend grabbing a coffee and some breakfast from Dizengoff before heading to Ponsonby Central Market and exploring the locally-made arts and crafts.

Looking for something a little more in nature? Take the 10-minute drive to Mount Eden, where you can climb to some of the most spectacular views of the city skyline backed by the harbour. Or, if you’d rather stay closer to the ground, a 15-minute drive will take you to Mission Bay, where you can stroll along the coast and visit SEA LIFE: Kelly Tarton’s Aquarium.

Once you’ve explored Auckland to its fullest, just over an hour on the road will take you to Hamilton. There’s plenty to do here, but one of the most popular spots in the Hamilton Gardens, which, unlike your standard botanical garden setup, is more like an outdoor museum of global garden design. You can wander from a perfectly symmetrical Italian Renaissance garden to a tropical jungle, passing through a Japanese zen space along the way.

Assuming you’ve still got some energy left after exploring the gardens, the next stop to visit is the Waikato River Trails, where you can cycle or walk different sections alongside New Zealand’s longest river, including ones that take you over suspension bridges and hydropower dams. After all that, you’re bound to need refuelling, and there are many choices scattered around Garden Place and Victoria Street to grab a bit and sample some local brew before heading to camp for the evening.

And, when it comes to your camping options, Hamilton City Holiday Park is the place to go. There are both powered and non-powered sites on offer here, along with excellent amenities that include toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, covered BBQ areas, and a camp kitchen – everything you need for a comfortable stay before setting off on the next leg of your adventure.

Heading back on the road and after a 1-hour drive, you’ll find yourself in Waitomo. This is a small town, but it’s also home to one of New Zealand’s most magical natural experiences – the Waitomo Caves. This is an absolutely unforgettable experience, and you’ll float on a small boat through pitch-black caverns while thousands of tiny glowworms light up the ceiling above you.

The guided tours here are also packed with local stories and fascinating geology facts, adding to its memory-making value, and if you’re after something a bit more hands-on, the Ruakari Cave Walk takes you deeper underground with spiralling walkways, waterfalls, and the chance to see the glowworms up close. Or, for the adrenaline junkies among us, you can also black water raft through the caves!

After a day of glowworm-based fun, you can pull up at Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park and take advantage of the powered sites and great amenities, including bathrooms, laundry facilities, BBQs, WiFi, a TV room, and a swimming pool and hot tub. It’s also just 600m from the Waitomo Caves, so you don’t need to worry about travelling too far to get there.

The longest stretch of road on your journey so far, 2 hours will land you in Taupo, and you’ll know you’ve arrived when you’re greeted by the majestic Lake Taupo. This is a huge volcanic caldera filled with fresh water and it’s a hive of activity with people paddleboarding and swimming, and you can also take a boat trip across the lake to see the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay.

Lake Taupo isn’t the only attraction here, though. You should also take the time to visit Huka Falls, which is less than 10 minutes from the lake and gives you the opportunity to see turquoise waters thundering through a narrow gorge. There are plenty of geothermal spots worth checking out in the area, too, including Craters of the Moon with its bubbling mud pools and boardwalks that take you through steaming craters.

When it comes to camping, Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort is a bit of a luxury compared to your average campground. There are powered gravel and grass sites here, and the amenities include BBQ & picnic areas, communal bathrooms, laundry facilities, and children’s entertainment. And, of course, you get access to the Taupo Hot Springs.

Leaving Taupo in your rear view mirror, the next stop on your journey is Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is packed with awesome hiking trails and viewpoints. If you’ve got the stamina and the right gear, the first thing to do is head out on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This is a full-day trek across volcanic terrain, with steaming vents and insane views at every turn that are guaranteed to create unforgettable memories.

Don’t worry if you’re after something a bit more chilled, though. There’s still plenty to do. For instance, the Taranaki Falls Walk is a nice loop trail that takes about two hours and still packs in forest and alpine views, along with a beautiful waterfall. You can also explore Whakapapa Village, which is only five minutes away and gives you a taste of the high country.

When you’re ready to call it a night, Discovery Lodge is a fantastic camping option. There are powered sites and tent sites here, and you’re surrounded by breathtaking views, giving you that authentic camping experience. This doesn’t mean you’re without creature comforts, though, and you’ll have access to bathrooms with hot showers, a guest laundry, and a basic camp kitchen.

You’re now heading into what is known affectionately as the “gumboot capital of the world”. And, given this nickname, your first stop in Taihape should be the Giant Gumboot Statue along the side of State Highway 1, which is the perfect opportunity to grab a fun photo of your road trip.

After that, head to Mount Stewart Reserve, which is accessible directly from the Gumboot Statue, and enjoy a short loop walk through native bush and up to the summit of Mount Stewart. There are some steep sections along the way, but once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views that encompass Mount Raupheu, the Ruahine Ranges, and the township of Taihape. With that done, head into town and grab a bite to eat from a local bakery and explore the local shops that are packed with interesting finds.

There aren’t many camping options in Taihape, and since it’s really more of a short stop along the way to Palmerston North, with less to explore than other areas, it’s best to push forward to your final destination.

After many exciting stops, you’ve finally reached Palmerston North. This doesn’t mean the adventure has to come to an end, though, and there is still plenty to discover. To start, head to The Square, which is the beating heart of the town, with green open spaces surrounded by cafes, art galleries, and little shops, all of which you can easily lose a day exploring.

For some culture, check out the Te Manawa Museum on Main Street, which combines science, history, and art in an engaging way. Or, if you’d rather stick to nature, there are also walking and cycling tracks along the Manawatu River that are beautiful and less challenging than some of the trails you’ve encountered along the road.

If you’re planning on spending a night or two here before your holiday comes to an end, Palmerston North Holiday Park is the perfect place. It’s conveniently located less than 10 minutes from town, and you’ll have access to powered sites with some excellent amenities, including toilets, showers, and a communal kitchen.

Ready to get going? At Travellers Autobarn, you’ll find affordable campervan hire out of Auckland with free unlimited kilometres, so you can explore everything the road from Auckland to Palmerston North has to offer without worrying about racking up extra costs.

Looking for some other North Island road trips from Auckland? Here are some other itineraries you should check out:

• Auckland to Cathedral Cove Road Trip
• Auckland to Tauranga Road Trip
• Auckland to Christchurch Road Trip
• Auckland to Bay of Islands Road Trip

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