Planning a campervan road trip from Auckland can be time-consuming, especially if you aren’t sure where you want to go or what you want to see. You can easily find yourself overwhelmed and frustrated, unsure where to turn or who to trust. Luckily for you, we are here to help! Our Auckland to Tauranga road trip is the perfect 240km route that lets you make the most of a relatively short journey, seeing all the wonderful sights up close with unique spots that other road trippers usually miss!
1. Pokeno
Start in Pokeno, a beautiful little town in the Waikato region. There are plenty of stunning views, places to eat, and a weekly market you don’t want to miss. Their Sunday Franklin Markets are home to over 70 stalls of food, drink, arts and crafts, allowing you to refuel for the next leg of your trip and grab some souvenirs.
While stopping here, take some time for the Mt William Walkway, a scenic trail that takes you through the Mount William Scenic Reserve, with glorious peaks and stunning views across Auckland. We also recommend heading to Poekno Waterfall, known as Leathams Stream Waterfall. This hidden gem, surrounded by lush greenery, is the perfect place for a gentle walk. You can reach it quickly from a nearby car park, so you can make it a final stop before you head back on the road.
2. Ngatea
Ngatea is a sweet town in the Hauraki Plains, filled with shops, restaurants, and several options for places to spend the night. There are plenty of parks for young children to stretch their legs, like Pioneer Park. While in Ngatea, we recommend the Ngatea Water Gardens, where you can wander through its beautiful paths, stumbling across bridges, waterfalls, lily ponds, and local wildlife.
Miranda Hot Springs is also worth a visit, where you can enjoy the warmth of the spring in an adults-only pool. There is a pool for children and a playground too, keeping everyone entertained. You can even enjoy a barbecue here, or pick up a treat at the cafe.
3. Waihi
Waihi is a fantastic place to stop, where you can enjoy New Zealand’s gold mining hotspot, seeing adventure and history come together. The Gold Discovery Centre is the perfect place to learn more about the town’s history, along with the mine pit or Godfields vintage railway. The vintage railway is an excellent activity for the whole family and takes you through the landscapes between Waihi and Waikino, where you can learn more about the rich history. There is a lot more here beyond the gold mine, too, including Waihi Beach, a 9km stretch of gorgeous sand.
It is the perfect place to surf, relax, or enjoy fish and chips by the sea. If you are looking for some waterspots, Anzac Bay and Bowentown are great spots for kayaking, surfing, or fishing. If you would prefer to stretch your legs after driving, we recommend Orokawa Ba and William Wright Falls, where you can slip into nature and enjoy breathtaking views.
4. Katikati
Katikati is the perfect place to stop if you want to appreciate some art and enjoy some downtime. Known as New Zealand’s mural town, there are hundreds of pieces of art you can enjoy, along with the living art gallery, and beautiful plants that make the surroundings even sweeter. Take some time to enjoy the Haiku Pathway, the largest collection of Haikus outside Japan, adding some poetry to your picturesque trip.
While in Katikati, head to the Arts Junction, where you can see over 76 artworks that narrate the area’s or the artist’s past. Here you can enjoy the Kaiku pathway, and there is a Bird Walk for bird spotting. There are plenty of walkways and cycle paths too, allowing you to stretch your legs.
The Katikati Bird Gardens are also worth a visit if you are looking to unwind. You can walk through these gardens, enjoying the peace, nature, and hundreds of bird species that live here.
5. Omokoroa
Your final stop before Tauranaga is Omokoroa, a small treasure in the Bay of Plenty that is waiting for you to explore it. Spend some time walking along picturesque trails, or if you have packed your bike, there are plenty of cycle paths to explore. We recommend Omokoroa Domain for a calm harbour and a peach, or the golf club if you want to play 18 holes with scenic views that span for miles.
Hire a Campervan for Your Auckland to Tauranga Road Trip Today
Before setting off on your journey to Tauranga, you will need to ensure you have the perfect vehicle, such as a campervan, to provide comfort during your drive. We recommend hiring one from Travellers Autobarn, which has rentals across the country, making it easy for you to pick up and drop off without high prices. Why not enjoy a Travellers Autobarn camper from Auckland and ensure you travel in comfort and style?
