cape reinga trip from paihia

Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Tour

• Full Day Tour
• Departs from Paihia

Set off from Paihia in the Bay of Islands and travel through spectacular scenery as your driver shares fascinating stories about Northland's history. This exhilarating tour will see you speeding down massive sand dunes, and driving along the iconic 90 Mile Beach (conditions permitting).

According to Māori legend, the headland at Cape Reinga is where spirits leave New Zealand and return to the land of their ancestors, Hawaiki. Walk down to the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse and see the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean crashing together below you. Soak up the amazing atmosphere and strikingly beautiful vistas, and don't forget to snap a selfie with the famous signpost!

Our Cape Reinga day tours depart daily on modern, comfortable buses and include entertaining commentary from experienced local guides.

Please note: between 1st of June and 31st of August 2024, this tour is not available on Tuesday and Thursday as we will be operating our winter timetable.

Can I be picked up and dropped off at my accommodation?

Sorry, our great value InterCity day tours don’t include hotel pickup and drop-off. Check out our friends at GreatSights and Gray Line for premium day tour options.

Can I eat and drink on board the bus?

Yes, you can eat cold food and cold drinks on board the bus. We don’t allow hot drinks or food for safety reasons.

Can I bring my bags with me?

You can bring one carry-on item with a maximum weight of 5kg and store check-in luggage under the bus. Take a look at our full luggage policy here .

Can I get a refund if I cancel my tour?

No, our day tours are non-refundable.

How do I book a tour with my pass?

Booking a day tour using your FlexiPass or TravelPass bus pass is a slightly different process. First, you need to make sure you’re logged in to your pass. On your pass dashboard, click on the ‘Tours’ button and follow the instructions to book your tour. Please note not all InterCity day tours are available to book on your pass.

What happens if my day tour is cancelled due to bad weather?

If your day tour is cancelled for any reason, we’ll contact you to discuss your options. These will include a transfer to the next available service, or a refund of your fare.

In which order do we do the activities?

We don’t have a set order for the day as it varies depending on the tides. Your driver will let you know on the day what time you’ll do each activity.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Yes, lunch is included in this tour. We’ll also stop for a short morning tea break (at your own expense).

Will someone carry me to the top of the sand dunes?

Part of the thrill of speeding down the dunes is getting yourself up there. Start your hill climb training now!

What should I bring?

We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen. Bring a jacket, sunglasses, a sunhat, a change of clothes for sand surfing, and your camera. Share your experience with us online by tagging #nzallover!

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Departs from auckland | rotorua.

Cape Reinga Express Tour

Cape Reinga Full Day Tour

$ 185.00

Take a trip with us through the stunning scenery to the very top of New Zealand, where mighty oceans collide and spirits depart. Learn the stories and feel the history, it’s a must-do for any Northland visit, whether you’re a Kiwi or an overseas visitor.

• Description

This is small group touring at its finest, travelling in comfort aboard our modern air-conditioned minibuses, accompanied by your passionate Driver Guide. Comfort and scenic stops will be made along the way, as well as a lunch break to sample the local cuisine. Allowing you plenty of time to soak in the wonders of the Far North.

• Pick up and Drop off from Accommodation.
• Visit Cape Reinga and Lighthouse
• Comfort stops (you can purchase lunch on the day)
• Visit Mangonui township on the way home

Take a packed lunch with you, or you can purchase some lunch at one of our comfort/food stops along the trip!

As we only operate small group tours, seats are limited and we operate this tour 2 days a week, book your trip in today!

This tour is an Express Tour – we do not drive along the beach due to environmental reasons. Sit back and enjoy your day while our drive/guide takes care of you.

(Max 19 people per trip)

Please note – we have a minimum number of 10 people to operate a trip, if we do not reach that number, we reserve the right to cancel the trip and provide a full refund or a different travel date. Thank you for your understanding!

Tour Details:

• Tour duration approximately 9 hours
• Departure 7.45am
• Adults $185pp & children $165pp
• Hotel pick up and drop off.
• Small group tours (max 19 people)
• New comfy air-conditioned vehicle

*PLEASE NOTE WE DO NOT DRIVE ALONG 90 MILE BEACH*

(Child Rate 14yrs and under)

We will pick up and drop off from your place of accommodation in the Bay of Islands, or if you prefer in Paihia central. Please advise where you are staying when you book. Pick up is 8am from Paihia & 8.30am from Kerikeri.

Thank you for supporting a local family-owned business!

*We reserve the right to cancel and fully refund if we do not meet minimum numbers to operate the tour.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION: Please advise your accommodation when booking.

DEPARTURE TIME: 7.45am

RETURN TIME: 5pm

WEAR: Comfortable clothing and footwear, sunhat, sunscreen and water

NOT INCLUDED:

Check out our Tripadvisor reviews here!  Bay of Islands Tours – Tripadvisor Reviews

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• Duration 11 HRS
• Category TOUR
• Location PAIHIA
• Operating Season YEAR ROUND
• Price $170 Adult $85 Child
• Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach

Feel the magic as you stand at Te Rerenga Wairua, the top of Aotearoa

View Details

WINTER (1 JUNE TO 31 AUGUST) MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY SUMMER (1 SEPTEMBER TO 31 MAY) DAILY

DEPARTS PAIHIA AT 7:00AM  DEPARTS KERIKERI AT 7:50AM

PLEASE ASK ABOUT DEPARTURES FROM COOPERS BEACH, TAIPA, MANGONUI AND AWANUI

$425 FAMILY PASS - 2 ADULTS & 2 CHILDREN *NEW PRICES EFFECTIVE FOR TRAVEL FROM 1 OCTOBER 2024: $175 ADULT | $87.50 CHILD | $437.50 FAMILY PASS

Journey to the very tip of the North Island in our purpose-built coach, travel along the sand-swept shore of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe, Ninety Mile Beach and uncover a region of rich Māori tradition along the way on an unforgettable full-day tour.  In Māori tradition, Cape Reinga or Te Rerenga Wairua is the place where spirits depart on their long journey back to the homeland. As you stand beneath the iconic lighthouse, and watch the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean collide far below, you’ll feel the power of this special place.

Enjoy the magical views from the Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Travel along Ninety Mile Beach in our purpose built coach

Option to sand-board (conditions permitting)

Includes a freshly prepared pre-selected café lunch

Informative and entertaining commentary throughout

Please note that sand-boarding is not suitable for children under 8 years old. Sand-boarding and travel along Ninety Mile Beach are subject to tides and weather conditions on the day and are not guaranteed.

• Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Tour Map 3.1MB pdf

Experience more with a great value combo...

Hole in the rock + cape reinga.

Combine our iconic Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise with the must-do Cape Reinga Day Tour and enjoy two of the best.

Cream Trip Super Cruise + Cape Reinga

Combine our extensive Cream Trip Super Cruise with the must-do Cape Reinga Day Tour to experience all the highlights of this spectacular region.

What our customers are saying...

"We took part in the Cape Reigna and 90-Mile Beach Day Tour from Paihia. It was one of our favourite things we did in New Zealand! Do not be put off by the long bus journeys, as they are worth every minute. Our tour guide was fantastic, and made us feel very welcome through his singing of traditional Maori songs. Highlights of the day include the fantastic sand boarding, driving on the beach, and seeing the famous cape lighthouse. We also made an early coffee stop in Doutbful Bay, a lovely surprise and something we wouldn't have known to do otherwise. If you have the time, would thoroughly recommend."

"This is an activity one can appreciate in any kind of weather. Except for skimming down sand dunes (some did in the wet sand), our driver made the day a very special experience. His friendly nature and knowledge about the area, culture and history helped us feel connected and engaged in the experience. It is a long day so not an easy task with this amount of people! We thoroughly enjoyed the stops, especially the Cape where were lucky enough for the mist and rain to clear. Also the drive onto 90 Mile Beach in a bus was epic! Highly recommend taking this Northern New Zealand adventure."

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• Far North, Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach
• Hokianga & the Kauri Coast.
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• Nelson Tasman
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• Christchurch
• Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
• Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo & Omarama
• Lake Wanaka
• Te Anau & Manapouri
• Milford Sound
• Southland & The Catlins
• Stewart Island
• NZ Accommodation
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Cape Reinga & 90 mile Beach Bus Tours from Bay of Islands

Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Tours

Tours from: paihia, bay of islands, mangonui, taipa & awanui, take a magical full-day tour to cape reinga, at the top of new zealand via ninety mile beach., book online & save 10% off the price from paihia + complimentary lunch.

A trip to New Zealand would be incomplete without a trip to the very top of the North Island, Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Discover the untamed grandeur of this vast and pristine country steeped in Maori culture and history. Enjoy a sample of New Zealand’s varied and stunning terrain as you drive north: the rolling hills of Northland’s rural countryside, breath-taking coastline vistas, and native woodland.

As the waves break besides the custom-built coach, drive down the sand on Ninety Mile Beach. Feel the sand under your toes as you assist your driving guide in his search for shellfish (conditions permitting). Your off-road adventure continues along Te Paki Stream, pausing at the vast sand dunes to enjoy the thrills and spills of sand-boarding. Clambering up and surfing down the dunes (if you dare!) will certainly get your pulse rate up.

As you approach Cape Reinga, listen to the stories about this historic spot, where ghosts, according to Maori belief, embark on their voyage home to Hawaiki. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, see the renowned lighthouse, and witness the spot where the Tasman Sea and the vast Pacific Ocean collide.

During your trip, you will also have a  a freshly prepared pre-selected café lunch at Hohoura  please specify at the time of purchase.

Your return journey will be as delightful, as your tour guide’s mix of local expertise, broad historical knowledge, and excellent sense of humour creates an amazing adventure.

Book online & save 10% off the price from Paihia + complimentary lunch

Combine your day trip to cape reinga and a hole in the rock cruise .

Great  value Tour Combo Deal- Double Dip Normally $370 per person both trips for $299  pp Child $149.50

              Return to Bay of Islands Page

Stay longer in the Bay of Islands

Combine your experience  with  great accommodation .

                                     Spacious Three Bedroom Apartment                      Views over the bay                   Two Bedroom Cottage

Booking for Cape Reinga & 90 mile Beach Bus Tours from Bay of Islands

Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach Tour from Bay of Islands provided by Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands Day Tours

Are you ready for a once in a lifetime experience?

We offer you a far north tour unlike any other, dune rider unique tours are not only rich in culture and history; they also offer a diverse range of experiences which are unique to new zealand. hop on board with cape reinga tours and let us take you on a tour along 90 mile beach that you will never forget, the tour includes:.

Free pick-up points in The Far North - Kaitaia & Awanui, and the Doubtless Bay area.

Freshly prepared lunch at the sand dunes included in fare (Lunch requirements, i.e, food allergies, vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, ect need to be stated at booking time.)

Informative driver commentary

Driving on 90 Mile Beach

Tour Highlights:

Travel along 90 Mile Beach to see the rugged views of the West Coast

Lunch at the picturesque Te Paki sand dunes set between the hills of Cape Reinga *Lunch venue may alter (winter & rainy days)

Visit Cape Reinga for unforgettable sights! Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga), sacred site for the Maori people and amazing panoramic views of the clashing Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean, and more. Iconic WWII Lighthouse, one of the most visited and photographed lighthouses in New Zealand. Most wanted photo at the international sign post.

* Activity order depends on the tides

Low tide route: Brief stop at the Ka Uri Unearthed in Awanui, drive along 90 Mile Beach, Te Paki giant sand dunes, lunch, Cape Reinga, return to starting point.

High tide route: Stop at Ka Uri Unearthed in Awanui, lunch at Te Paki giant sand dunes, Cape Reinga, 90 Mile Beach, return to starting point.

Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is known to the Maori as "Te Rerenga Wairua”, it is there that the souls of the departed undertake their final journey to Hawaiki, the land of their ancestors.

A short walk leads to the iconic WWII lighthouse and the famous signpost pointing to cities around the world.

Enjoy spectacular views of Cape Maria Van Diemen and watch the division line where the Tasman Sea turquoise waters clash fiercely with the Pacific Ocean’s darker blue waves.

This tour is a must for photographers. Everywhere you point your camera, you will find a stunning shot. At 165 metres above sea level you get a unique perspective of the rare and awesome sight of two seas meeting.

Te Paki Sand Dunes

Nature lovers will be fascinated by the converging dune and wetland flora.         

The Te Paki Sand Dunes are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and the climb to the top will build an appetite for lunch.

For the adventurous there is the chance to toboggan down the Te Paki sand dunes. There are operators at the sand dunes who can provide this activity for those who choose to. (Please note this activity is NOT included in the tour - it is an activity that is available to do at an additional cost - $15 pp - PAYMENT IS CASH ONLY ON THE DAY)

90 Mile Beach

Experience the solitude and magnificence as our buses drive along a stretch of wild, west coast 90 Mile Beach.

Welcome to Harrison’s Cape Runner!

Bus tours to cape reinga via ninety mile beach., with our all terrain 4×4 vehicles we guarantee to drive the te paki quicksand stream and 90 mile beach.

Harrison’s Cape Runner is an exciting & informative informal tour with personal service and is locally owned & operated.

Here at Harrisons workshop we have designed & purpose built, in house, a fleet of powerful all terrain 4 x 4 truck to bus conversions.

We have made a conscious effort at looking to the future, passenger safety and enjoyment, and considering and protecting the environment throughout the design and construction process. The units are fitted with huge super single tyres and are the first in New Zealand to have this feature. This makes for safer beach operation and passenger comfort. The seating and large panoramic windows make the best scenic viewing available. Our local Coach Captains (Guides) are courteous informative and cheerful, and are the best in the business, receiving fan mail from all around the world!

This is a full-day comprehensive tour with many stops including Aupouri Forest, Ninety Mile Beach, Te Paki Stream & Sand Dunes, Cape Reinga, Tapotupotu Bay, Rarawa Beach, Te Kao, Houhora Heads and Ka-Uri Unearthed. We offer free pick-up from your local accommodation.

Watch our Video!

About the Trip

Relax and unwind as our local tour guides take you on a journey to share with you some of our amazing Maori legends and Far North history.

Explore The Trip | Prices | Pick Up Points | What to Bring or Wear | What People are saying

This is a full-day comprehensive tour with many stops including:

Harrisons Cape Runner are licensed by The Department of Conservation and are members of Tai Tokerau Tourism Association.

Locally owned & operated by Murray & Cheryl Harrison. Contact our team today! - Freephone: 0800 CAPE REINGA (0800 227373) - E: [email protected] 123 North Road, Kaitaia, New Zealand

Website by Printing.com Kaitaia.

After 30 productive years of running HARRISONS CAPE RUNNER TOURS we have, regrettably, made the decision to cease operation for the foreseeable future.

This is due to the general downturn of visitors to the area, staffing issues, increased overhead costs and ongoing strict safety compliance.

We are sorry to disappoint some but it is currently, no longer economic for us to continue to operate this division of our business.

For those of you who wish to self drive you are welcome to call us for tips on what to see and do.

The Team at Harrisons

31 Best Stops Between Paihia and Cape Reinga

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How long is the drive from Paihia to Cape Reinga?

The direct drive from Paihia to Cape Reinga is 131 mi (210 km) , and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 50 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Paihia to Cape Reinga, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Kerikeri , as well as top places to visit like Pompallier Mission and Printery and Flagstaff Hill Historic reserve, or the ever-popular Kawiti Glowworm Caves.

Top city between Paihia and Cape Reinga

Best stops along paihia to cape reinga drive, kawiti glowworm caves.

Pompallier Mission and Printery

Flagstaff Hill Historic reserve

Cruise to the hole in the rock, waitangi treaty grounds.

Haruru Falls

Lake kaiiwi, ngawha springs, the stone store, trounson kauri park, rainbow falls (waianiwaniwa), top trail cycle hire and tours, manginangina kauri walk, tāne mahuta walk, tane mahuta, wairere boulders nature reserve and campsite, whangaroa harbour adventures, whangaroa harbour, clendon house, no.1 parnell . rawene, arai te uru nature reserve, butler point whaling museum, gumdiggers park, rarawa beach road.

• Cape Reinga

Giant Sand Dunes

Cape reinga lighthouse, other popular road trips from paihia, explore nearby places.

• Coopers Beach
• Mangatainoka
• Matauri Bay
• Waimate North
• Waipoua Forest

All related maps of Cape Reinga

• Map of Cape Reinga
• Map of Te Paki
• Map of Houhora
• Map of Pukenui
• Map of Awanui
• Map of Kaitaia
• Map of Ahipara
• Map of Taipa
• Map of Coopers Beach
• Map of Mangonui
• Map of Mangatainoka
• Map of Mangamuka
• Map of Whangaroa
• Map of Mitimiti
• Map of Kaeo
• Map of Te Ngaere
• Map of Kohukohu
• Map of Matauri Bay
• Map of Rawene
• Map of Horeke
• Map of Whirinaki
• Map of Opononi
• Map of Omapere
• Map of Okaihau
• Map of Waipapa
• Map of Waimamaku
• Map of Kerikeri
• Map of Waimate North
• Map of Kaikohe
• Map of Waipoua Forest
• Map of Haruru

Cape Reinga throughout the year

• Cape Reinga in January
• Cape Reinga in February
• Cape Reinga in March
• Cape Reinga in April
• Cape Reinga in May
• Cape Reinga in June
• Cape Reinga in July
• Cape Reinga in August
• Cape Reinga in September
• Cape Reinga in October
• Cape Reinga in November
• Cape Reinga in December

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from paihia to cape reinga.

Yes! You can drive from Paihia to Cape Reinga.

How far is Cape Reinga from Paihia by car?

The drive from Paihia to Cape Reinga is 131 miles (210 km).

How long does it take to drive from Paihia to Cape Reinga?

Driving from Paihia to Cape Reinga should take you 2 hrs 50 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Paihia to Cape Reinga?

Gas from Paihia to Cape Reinga would cost around $11 to $27 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Paihia to Cape Reinga?

You could check out Pompallier Mission and Printery and Flagstaff Hill Historic reserve, or the always popular Kawiti Glowworm Caves!

What are the best cities to visit between Paihia and Cape Reinga?

People love visiting Kerikeri, among others.

What's the weather like in Paihia?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Paihia in January
• Weather in Paihia in February
• Weather in Paihia in March
• Weather in Paihia in April
• Weather in Paihia in May
• Weather in Paihia in June
• Weather in Paihia in July
• Weather in Paihia in August
• Weather in Paihia in September
• Weather in Paihia in October
• Weather in Paihia in November
• Weather in Paihia in December

What are some other road trips from Paihia?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Paihia.

• Paihia to Auckland drive
• Paihia to Rotorua drive
• Paihia to Wellington drive
• Paihia to Waitomo Caves drive
• Paihia to Taupo drive
• Paihia to Christchurch drive
• Paihia to Hinuera drive
• Paihia to Tauranga drive
• Paihia to Hamilton drive
• Paihia to Dunedin drive
• Paihia to Napier drive
• Paihia to New Plymouth drive
• Paihia to Queenstown drive
• Paihia to Hahei drive
• Paihia to Fiordland National Park drive
• Paihia to Tongariro National Park drive
• Paihia to Nelson drive
• Paihia to Cape Reinga drive
• Paihia to Wanaka drive
• Paihia to Milford Sound drive
• Paihia to Blenheim drive
• Paihia to Lake Tekapo drive
• Paihia to Kaitaia drive
• Paihia to Waipoua Forest drive
• Paihia to Mount Maunganui drive
• Paihia to Dargaville drive
• Paihia to Kaikoura drive
• Paihia to Mangawhai drive
• Paihia to Thames drive
• Paihia to Westland Tai Poutini National Park drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Paihia to Cape Reinga

Written by: Katie Tobias

Cape Reinga - located at the bottom of the world but at the very top of New Zealand. It's where  two oceans collide. The stunning Bay of Islands is a popular base to visit Cape Reinga on a day tour from Paihia to Cape Reinga. It's time to explore the northernmost tip of New Zealand.

By User:Gadfium (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Cape Reinga Day Tour

It was an early start as we boarded the air conditioned bus and headed to our first destination: the Puketi Kauri Forest. We took a short walk through the forest and the 2,000 year old trees. We then stopped by the seaside town of Taipa Beach for morning tea before heading towards the Cape.

Cape Reinga is a significant location within the Maori culture and is believed to be the departing place of spirits on their journey to the homeland, Hawaiki. As we arrived at Cape Reinga, we felt like we were arriving at the very edge of the Earth. Looking out to the ocean where the Pacific meets the Tasman Sea with literally nothing else in sight. We ventured to the famous Cape Reinga Lighthouse which provided fantastic photo opportunities 290 metres above sea level.

Sumo.si at the English language Wikipedia [ GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons

Taputaputa Bay was our next stop, and it was a beautiful surf beach! We stayed here for lunch and had the option to chill out or play Rugby, Frisbee or Beach Cricket!

Our next destination: Te Paki Stream for some Sand Boarding! We grabbed our boogie boards, walked up the HUGE sand dunes and sandboarded down the slopes. This was amazing and the views were spectacular!

Te Paki Sand Dunes at Te Paki Stream by Bernard Spragg.NZ - license

One of the best parts about the Cape Reinga Day Trip, is that the coach is able to cruise along the sand highway (the beach is actually a registered highway) of 90 Mile Beach .

The driver (who I must note was informative throughout the entire trip) revealed that the beach is not actually 90 miles but 55 miles! The most common theory as to the incorrect name is that years ago missionaries used to travel along the coast by horseback under the assumption that horses could travel 30 miles in one day; As the journey took 3 days it was named 90 mile beach. I just love this story. It is now believed that the horses took longer to travel due to the sand! Regardless, the name remains and the beach is absolutely stunning!

The tour was amazing and Cape Reinga is most definitely a must see!

Paihia, and the Bay of Islands, are an absolute must visit location in New Zealands north island. Doing a day trip to Cape Reinga from Paihia is, in my opinion, another absolute must. If you have the time, then base yourself in Paihia for a week so you have time to chill out and explore the Bay of Islands and the surrounding area, including Cape Reinga!

Like this post? Please share it

Related articles to read.

A Guide to Fishing in the Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands Sailing Trips - a Must Do

What To Do in Paihia, Top 10 Paihia Activities

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Cape Reinga - 90 Mile Beach Tour provided by Mullarkey Tours

Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach Tour from Bay of Islands provided by Fullers GreatSights Bay of Islands Day Tours

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The Best Day Trips from Paihia 🚗 [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the top places to visit near paihia.

On the shores looking out to the glistening waters of the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a must-visit when exploring New Zealand’s Northland region . The coastal town also provides the perfect base for day trips to Northland’s highlights, including historic Russell , the wine region of Kerikeri , the top of the North Island at Cape Reinga , and some of the bay’s 144 islands. So plan your exploration of Northland and the Bay of Islands with this guide to the best day trips from Paihia.

Don’t forget to check out The Complete Guide to the Bay of Islands for more trip-planning advice.

5 Best Day Tours from Paihia

Before we dive into the self-drive day trips from Paihia, here are some day tours from Paihia which are ideal if you don’t have your own vehicle.

Guided Day Tours from Paihia

• Sailing including Barbecue Lunch with R. Tucker Thompson
• Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Tour with Fullers GreatSights
• Bay of Islands Discovery Tour with the Explore Group
• Bay of Islands and Glowworm Caves Tour with Bay of Islands Tours
• Winery and brewery tour with Mullarkeys Tours .

Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach

The best day trip from paihia for luxury travellers.

Travel time by car : 3 hours one-way Relevant tour : Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Tour with Fullers GreatSights (more info on Viator and Klook ).

One of the most popular day tours from Paihia and the Bay of Islands is the trip to the top of the North Island. Highlights on the journey include Kerikeri , the Puketi Kauri Forest , Doubtless Bay and the Cape Reinga Lighthouse . Rental car agreements are unlikely to allow you to drive down Ninety Mile Beach , but bus tours can take you on the sandy highway with sandboarding included.

For more activity recommendations, check out the 10 Best Things to Do at Cape Reinga .

Urupukapuka Island

The best day trip for paihia for budget travellers.

Travel time by boat : 40 minutes one way Relevant tour : Urupukapuka Island Ferry with Explore Group .

Spend the day on one of the glorious islands of the bay by taking the ferry to Urupukapuka Island . There’s something for just about everyone here, with safe swimming beaches, bird watching, kayak hire, a restaurant and a myriad of hiking trails. Ferries depart from Paihia Wharf with the Explore Group .

Learn more about the walks on Urupukapuka Island on the Department of Conservation website .

The Best Day Trip from Paihia for Foodies

Travel time by car : 25 minutes one way Relevant tour : Bay of Islands Private Half-Day Tour with Kernhem Group .

The largest town in the Bay of Islands, Kerikeri is well worth spending the day exploring. What’s more, it’s just a short drive from Paihia. Visit its various wineries (see the list in The Food Guide to the Bay of Islands ), check out the historic Stone Store and surrounding pā sites (historic Māori settlements), admire Rainbow Falls and much more!

For more ideas on what to do, take a look at the 15 Best Things to Do in Kerikeri .

The Best Day Trip from Paihia for Families

Travel time by passenger ferry : 15 minutes one way Travel time by car + ferry : 30 minutes one way Travel time by car : 1 hr 10 mins one way

Cruise on over to Russell on a quick journey from Paihia via the passenger ferry or take the car for a road trip to New Zealand’s first capital. Check out the historical sites by taking a tour with Russell Mini Tours  or walk up to Flagstaff Hill for excellent views and more history. The little settlement also has beaches, quaint cafes and ice cream parlours.

Check out the 10 Things to Do in Russell for more ways to experience this day trip from Paihia.

The Best Day Trip from Paihia for Couples

Travel time by car : 1 hour one way.

Journey to the main hub of the Northland region, Whangarei , awash with its own attractions including AH Reed Kauri Park , Abbey Caves and Whangarei Falls . Break up your day with a meal along the scenic Town Basin Marina and enjoy some of the quirkier attractions like Claphams National Clock Museum or the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Maori Art Gallery .

For more inspiration for your day trip, take a look at the 25 Best Things to Do in Whangarei .

More About Paihia Day Trips

That’s it for the best day trips from Paihia. For more day trips, you might like to hit the following destinations:

• 10 Best Things to Do in Kawakawa
• 10 Best Things to Do in Opononi & Omapere
• 10 Best Things to Do in Tutukaka
• 10 Best Things to Do in Kaitaia
• 10 Best Things to Do in Mangonui & Doubtless Bay

Finally, if they weren’t enough, we also have the   40 Best Things to Do in the Bay of Islands to inspire you further.

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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The Ultimate Auckland To Cape Reinga Road Trip (Including Bay Of Islands And 90 Mile Beach) And Back Again!

Northland New Zealand is an absolute gem with stunning beaches, pristine thousand year old rainforest, and the beautiful Bay of Islands.  Here’s a guide to planning the ultimate Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip and back, which includes stop offs in Paihia for the Bay of Islands, exploring Cape Reinga lighthouse at the very top of New Zealand, the windswept Ninety Mile Beach, beautiful Hokianga and the Waipoua Forest.

We’ve also go the lowdown on the best places to stay, including Cape Reinga accommodation, and options of self-drive, hiring a campervan for your road trip, or taking one of the Cape Reinga tours on offer.

• 1 Auckland to Bay of Islands
• 2 Things to do in the Bay of Islands
• 3 The Best Places To Stay In The Bay Of Islands
• 4 Paihia to Cape Reinga
• 5 Cape Reinga
• 6 Cape Reinga to to Hokianga (including 90 Mile Beach)
• 7 Southwards to Rawene
• 9 Opononi and Omapere
• 10 Hokianga to Mangawhai (including Kai Iwi Lakes)
• 11 Mangawhai to Auckland
• 12 The best tour options from Auckland and Paihia
• 13 The verdict

Auckland to Bay of Islands

Your journey from Auckland to Cape Reinga begins with a drive to Paihia which takes around 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic. It’s a picturesque drive that passes through rolling farmland, the forested Dome Valley and Brynderwyn Hills, past the town of Whangarei before turning off to Paihia which is the main town in the Bay of Islands.

If you’re leaving Auckland early, you might like to stop for a morning coffee and pastry at La Nonna Italian Bakery in either Kaiwaka or Ruakaka. They sell the BEST almond and chocolate croissants, donuts, danishes, filled sandwiches and the New Zealand classic – a mince pie. Highly recommended!

Another must-see quirky stop are the Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa, just before you turn off for the Bay of Islands. We wouldn’t normally recommend public toilets as an attraction, but these are well worth seeing! Built by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser (who made New Zealand his home from the 1970’s) the toilets really are a piece of art, constructed from ceramic tiles, glass and constructed around a live tree!

A short drive from Kawakawa and you have reached Paihia, which is the main town in the Bay of Islands.

Things to do in the Bay of Islands

Waitangi  treaty grounds.

Waitangi is known as the birthplace of New Zealand and a short drive or an easy half an hour beachfront walk from Paihia. It’s where the Treaty of Waitangi document was signed in 1840 marking a partnership between the indigenous Māori of Aotearoa New Zealand and the British Crown. If you’re interested in learning more about NZ culture and history then Waitangi is a must-do.

Your entrance ticket covers a visit to the excellent Museum of Waitangi that has recently opened and does a brilliant job of telling the story of New Zealand colonisation with interactive exhibits.

You also get a guided tour of the grounds by a local, who explains more about what happened with the treaty signing and the giant war waka (canoe) Ngātokimatawhaorua, which is the world’s largest at 35 metres long.

The grounds also house the Treaty House, which is the second oldest house in New Zealand and the home of the British crown in NZ at the time of the treaty signing.

The guide then takes you to the beautiful carved meeting house Te Whare Rūnanga where you take part in a traditional pōwhiri or welcome ceremony.

Once inside you can admire the traditional carvings, and watch a performance of traditional Māori song and dance.

Even as New Zealanders we learned so much from visiting Waitangi, and would highly recommend it for visitors. Allow two hours for a rushed visit but ideally half a day.

Bay of Islands cruises

There are a number of different tours and boat trips that you can take to see the Bay of Islands. A Bay of Islands cruise is the perfect way to explore the 144 islands and beautiful beaches of the area, and if you’re lucky spot some dolphins!

Hole In The Rock cruise

The most classic trip that has been around since I was a child is the Hole In The Rock cruise. This half day trip takes you cruising through the bay, and out to the famous hole that you literally drive through in the boat! Options include looking for wild dolphins and whales or an island stopover.

See prices for Hole In The Rock cruises and book here .

Cream Trip cruise

The Cream Trip cruise is a full-day cruise that takes you out to the Hole In The Rock, visits a secluded island, goes dolphin and whale spotting and lets you try boom-netting, which is hanging on to a net as you glide through the water!

See prices for the Cream Trip cruise and book here.

Tall Ship Sailing

If you’re short of time but still want to experience sailing in the Bay of Islands, then check out the 2 hour sail aboard the R. Tucker Thompson tall ship for a gentle cruise around the bay. You’ll even  learn how to hoist the sails!

See prices for cruising on the R Tucker Thompson Tall Ship and book here.

Paihia is the hub of the Bay of Islands and popular with tourists because of its large range of accommodation. It’s a good place to base yourself if you want to visit the islands, Russell and Waitangi.

There’s a good range of shops, restaurants and cafes and it’s very pleasant sitting in one of the waterfront bars and restaurants admiring the view out over the Bay of Islands.

Haruru Falls

A short five minute drive from Paihia is Haruru Falls, a pretty waterfall and river that’s worth visiting. Haruru means ‘big noise’ in Māori and is accessed down a short bush walk from the carpark.

If you’re feeling energetic, you can do the 3 kilometre walk from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds via a boardwalk.

A short ferry ride across the bay from Paihia is the gorgeous town of Russell (originally Kororareka) , the first capital city of New Zealand and once known as ‘the hellhole of the Pacific’ due to the drunken sailors and debauchery that took place there!

Today it’s a cute village that has many preserved buildings that give you a taste of what life was like for the early settlers of New Zealand. There’s lovely art galleries, cafes, cute little shops that make it a great place for a half day visit.

A must-do is to visit the wonderful Duke of Marlborough hotel, which dates back to 1827 and is New Zealand’s oldest pub! It’s been beautifully restored and is a great place to grab a drink and relax on the balcony overlooking the seafront, or dine on great food in the sumptuous dining room.

Kids are welcome and they have a fabulous menu – check out those ice-cream sundaes!

You can also also visit New Zealand’s oldest church, with a graveyard of some of the first settlers to NZ, and the gorgeous Pompellier Mission house which has been restored back to it’s original French style.

Getting to Russell

You can either take a passenger ferry from Paihia or if you want to take a car over, the car ferry from Opua (note for beginners – unless you intentionally want to take the windy coastal but spectacular road to Russell, don’t turn off at the Old Russell Road north of Whangarei. The car ferry is much quicker!)

The first passenger ferry leaves Russell at 7am and the crossing takes around 20 minutes. Tickets are $12 return for adults, $6 return for children.

The car ferry leaves from Beechy Street, Opua which is a 10 minute drive from Paihia. The first ferry leaves at 6.50am and takes around 10 minutes. It lands at Okaito which is a short drive into Russell itself. Tickets are $12.50 one way which includes all passengers, or $1 for foot passengers only!

The Best Places To Stay In The Bay Of Islands

There’s a lot of choice for Bay of Islands accommodation and here’s some of our favourites:

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

We stayed at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort in Waitangi.

• The price! We secured a family room for $150NZD per night which was by far cheaper than any other Paihia hotel we could find (we were booking last minute though)
• The pool complex is fabulous – a massive resort style swimming pool and spa overlooking the harbour, complete with sun loungers and palms. The kids had a great time splashing around even though the weather wasn’t ideal
• Location to Waitangi – it’s located right next door to the Treaty grounds via a short beautiful bush walk, so ideal if you’re wanting to spend time there.
• The hotel is a bit dated and is probably due for refurbishment. But it was perfectly clean and adequate. If you’re looking for luxury this probably isn’t for you
• If you’re wanting to be in the heart of Paihia then this hotel is out on a limb. It’s fine if you have a car but it’s a 20 minute walk into Paihia (along the waterfront, so a lovely walk!) The hotel do also offer a shuttle bus.

Click here to view prices and book the Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Other Bay of Islands accommodation

There are so many options for accommodation in the Bay of Islands – from motels and hotels, apartments, backpackers and campgrounds.

Paihia to Cape Reinga

The Paihia to Cape Reinga leg of your roadtrip takes you into the heart of Northland NZ, passing through some cute towns and picturesque scenery right to the top of the country. It’s around a three hour drive and best to take the State Highway 10 route which is more picturesque.

A short 15 minute drive from Paihia is the town of Kerikeri, a great place to stock up on any supplies as there are two supermarkets, pharmacies, bookshops and great cafes there.

While in Kerikeri it’s worth visiting the Stone Store, New Zealand’s oldest stone building. It’s now a gift shop selling some lovely NZ souvenirs (not the tacky kind) and vintage items.

The waterfront town of Mangonui is another gem, with more restored colonial buildings, an old school pub and the famous fish and chip shop which reputedly has the best fish and chips in NZ. They are very good albeit expensive by New Zealand standards!

It’s ideal to stop off for an early lunch or gather picnic provisions for the trip north!

North of Mangonui

There’s a number of small towns that you pass through north of Mangonui, but they’re very small and sometimes with little more that a shop or petrol station.

The small town of Houhora has a beautiful harbour, New Zealand’s northern-most pub and the Pukenui Pacific Cafe is another spot to grab a bite to eat.

Spirits Bay

Continuing north, Spirits Bay (Kapowairua) is the closest Cape Reinga accommodation . It’s a basic campsite administered by the Department of Conservation. 

Cape Reinga

There’s not much in the way of Cape Reinga attractions (don’t expect shops, souvenir stands and a Cornish pasty stand ala Lands End in the UK!) but that only enhances the stunning beauty of this windswept and special place.

The Cape Reinga lighthouse is the most obvious landmark, but look closely for the 800 year old gnarly looking pohutukawa tree clinging to the cliff. This is a sacred Māori site who believe the spirits of the dead leap from this tree into the ocean to return to their homeland of Hawaiki.

Cape Reinga is also where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet. It’s a breathtaking site to see the two slightly different coloured oceans colliding and swirling.

Because of the sacred nature of Cape Reinga eating is not allowed, however a short five minute drive away is the pretty bay of Tapotutopu which is a lovely picnic spot.

Cape Reinga to to Hokianga (including 90 Mile Beach)

From Cape Reinga head back south down State Highway 1.

Sand dunes Cape Reinga

One of the best things to do in Cape Reinga is visit the fabulous Te Paki Sand Dunes. If you’re one of the Cape Reinga tours you’ll almost definitely stop here. The dunes are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and a fun activity is to go sand tobogganing down. You can also do an ATV safari tour across the dunes.

Ninety Mile Beach

It may seem a crazy question but how long is 90 mile beach? Well in true NZ fashion it’s actually only 55 miles long – the legend goes it felt so long that it must be 90 miles.

This beautiful windswept beach has golden sand and big waves – it’s a great spot for surfing.

90 mile beach driving

It’s also a public highway meaning that cars are allowed to drive on the beach. However, it’s only recommended for experienced 4WD and is safe only at certain tide times.

Rental cars are not permitted on the beach. If you’re wanting to experience the thrill of driving along ninety mile beach you’re best to look at doing a 90 mile beach tour.

90 mile beach accommodation

If you’re wishing to break the journey southwards up you might like to stay around 90 mile beach for the night. There’s not much in the way of hotels here, just a campsite and some stunning vacation rentals. Some of our top picks for accommodation are:

Ahiapara Holiday Park

Walking distance to 90 mile beach the Ahiapara Holiday Park features simple holiday cottages and dorm rooms if you’re on a budget. Check prices for Ahiapara Holiday Park and book here.

Escape to 90 Mile

This gorgeous 2 bedroom holiday home overlooks the beach and you can listen to the waves as you drift off to sleep! Check prices for Escape to 90 Mile and book here.

ASURE Wayfarer Motel

If you’re wanting motel accommodation then you’ll need to travel slightly inland to the town of Kaitaia. The ASURE Wayfarer Motel has cooking facilities and a year-round swimming pool. Check prices for the ASURE Wayfarer Motel and book here.

Southwards to Rawene

Continue driving south down State Highway 1, through Kaitaia and the Mangamuka Gorge towards the small town of Kohukohu.

Kohukohu is a small village that was one of the first European settlements in New Zealand and sits at the entrance to the beautiful Hokianga Harbour. Here you can board the Kohu Ra Tuarua car ferry to take the short crossing over to Rawene to continue your journey. The ferry timetable and fares can be found here .

The gorgeous town of Rawene is one of Northland’s gems and a fabulous place to stop for a coffee or lunch. We highly recommend The Boat Shed cafe which has a range of delicious food, coffee and a small shop selling local arts and crafts. Grab one of the outdoor tables and take in the beautiful views over the upper Hokianga Harbour.

A must do if visiting with kids (or kids at heart) is visit the Simply Fun puzzle and games store. It’s an absolute treasure trove of puzzles and toys from around the world and also houses a unique collection of rare items that the owner has collected over the years.

Opononi and Omapere

Continuing on from Rawene around another half an hour you come to the seaside villages of Opononi and it’s twin town Omapere. This is quintessential Northland and worth spending a night or more if you have the time.

Opononi’s claim to fame was a dolphin called Opo who visited during one summer in the 1950s, becoming quite the national celebrity and is part of New Zealand folklore. She would play with local children and follow fishing boats around until she was sadly found dead. You can see the monument to Opo outside the Opononi Hotel and her grave by the War Memorial Hall.

Even the local dairy (store) has Opo on the roof! These double scoop ice-creams were an amazing $3.50 each!

The main landmark of Opononi and Omapere are the giant towering sand dunes on the other side of the harbour. They’re absolutely phenomenal and the best places to view them are from Lookout Point accessed from the main road up the hill as you head South. Here you can see the dunes and the entrance to the Hokianga Harbour with its treacherous sandbar.

Opononi and Omapere Accommodation

Copthorne hotel and resort hokianga.

This is the biggest hotel in the area and has a prime location overlooking the harbour at Omapere. It’s popular for weddings and other celebrations due to its stunning beachside location and cute jetty. Check prices for the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Hokianga and book here.

Opononi Lighthouse Motel

The Opononi Lighthouse Motel is a great choice for families, with self-contained units only 20 metres from the beach. Check prices and book the Opononi Lighthouse Motel here.

Hokianga to Mangawhai (including Kai Iwi Lakes)

The drive from Hokianga down to Mangawhai is one of the most stunning in the world. You’ll drive through pristine NZ rainforest and see one of the oldest trees on earth. Visit the beautiful fresh water Kai Iwi Lakes and swim in the turquoise water and white sand beaches.

Waipoua Forest

The mighty Waipoua Forest is one of New Zealand’s treasures and home to Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand’s oldest kauri tree around 2,000 years old!

Tāne Mahuta is a short walk from the road but please respect the fragile eco-system of the area and stick to the paths and take note of the signs about kauri dieback disease.

There’s plenty of other kauri forest to view also, and the Trounson Kauri Park is on the southern edge of Waipoua.

Waipoua Forest Accommodation

We stayed just south of the Waipoua Forest in an amazing glamping tent and hut on a farm. It was absolutely paradise – the tent had a comfortable double bed, and two camp beds for the kids and it was tucked away in pristine rainforest.

The highlight was the outdoor bath with its stunning outlook onto the New Zealand bush.

The glamping is situated in a Kiwi conservation area so if you’re lucky you might hear them calling at night. We did hear an amazing ruru (morepork owl) conversation going on, it was fabulous!

A small hut made from kauri is next to the tent which has a well-equipped kitchen, sofa and wood burner stove if you’re visiting during winter.

Find out more on the Canopy Camping website .

For more conventional camping and motel accommodation, check out the Kauri Coast Top 10 Holiday Park. They have a great kids playground, barbeque and convenience store on-site. They even offer night walks to go kiwi spotting!

Check our prices and book Kauri Coast Top 10 Holiday Park here .

Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain)

Drive 40 kilometres south from Waipoua Forest and you’ll come to the amazing Kai Iwi Lakes (or Taharoa Domain if your GPS doesn’t recognise it!)

You’ll find three lakes that were formed 1.8 million years ago, with sandy white beaches and pristine turquoise fresh water. Not far from the lake edge is a pontoon which is great for diving from, it’s also an ideal place for kayaking, stand up paddleboards and jetskis.

Kai Iwi Lakes Accommodation

Camping is the best option for accommodation at Kai Iwi Lakes, with two campsites available at Pine Beach and Promenade Point .

For camping alternatives, try the gorgeous Wai Hou Oma Lodge, which has studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments in a beautiful secluded location but still close to Kai Iwi Lakes. Check out prices and book Wai Hou Oma Lodge here .

30 minutes from Kai Iwi Lakes along State Highway 12 is the town of Dargaville. It’s a medium sized Northland town and good for stocking up on supplies – it has a supermarket and several petrol stations!

Dargaville is famous for growing kumara (NZ sweet potato) and you’ll pass by many places selling it on the side of the road in season.

Drive onwards to Maungatoroto and take a short few minutes drive back to Kaiwaka, where you will turn off to Mangawhai.

Mangawhai is a rapidly growing town (due to its proximity to both Auckland and Whangarei) that still manages to retain a laid-back beachside village vibe. It’s a great place to break up your journey back to Auckland.

It has a beautiful white sand surf ocean beach and a great tidal estuary which is fabulous for younger kids to splash around in.

Mangawhai also has a growing restaurant and cafe scene – favourites include Bennetts, Sail Rock Cafe, the Mangawhai Tavern for casual fish and chips.

The Mangawhai Activity Zone is a fantastic playground with a skate park, mega playground and surrounding bush walks.

Our recommended Mangawhai accommodation

Mangawhai Holiday Park has camping and motel accommodation right next to the beach, with good reviews. Check out Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park prices and book here .

If you’re looking for something slightly bigger, you can rent an entire house at Arandar Holiday Home, another great location close to the estuary beach and shops. Check prices for Arandar Holiday Home and book here.

Mangawhai Chalets are set in a beautiful garden with barbeque facilities and have twin bed plus family chalets available. Beach towels and umbrellas are also available for trips to the beach. Check prices and book Mangawhai Chalets here.

Mangawhai to Auckland

A short 1.5 hour drive will return you back to Auckland. If you’d like to do some more exploring on the way back, here are some great things to do:

• Visit Sheepworld in the Dome Valley to experience a taste of rural New Zealand. Learn all about sheep and watch a sheep shearing demonstration
• Explore stunning Pakiri Beach, a beautiful white sand ocean beach
• Head to Goat Island by Leigh which is a marine reserve and offers amazing snorkelling and diving. Stop at the Sawmill Cafe on the way home for craft beer and pizza!
• Visit Tawharanui Regional Park, home to a wildlife sanctuary and one of the best beaches in New Zealand

• Have a relaxed lunch at one of the many vineyard restaurants in the area such as Plume or Ascension Winery
• If it’s a Saturday, check out the wonderful Matakana Farmers Market, home to fresh and local made produce, arts and crafts.

The best tour options from Auckland and Paihia

If you don’t have your own car, there are a number of tours and bus options to do a tour of Northland, all the way up to Cape Reinga lighthouse leaving from Auckland.

Bay of Islands Tour from Auckland

This two day, one night tour will transport you from Auckland to Paihia by bus where you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and take a Dolphin Watching Tour. Find out further information about Bay of Islands Tours from Auckland and book here.

Auckland to Cape Reinga Tour

This three day bus tour, which takes you to visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Russell, Cape Reinga and a Hole in the Rock cruise. Find our prices and book the Cape Reinga tour from Auckland here.

Cape Reinga Tours from Paihia

A full day trip visiting Cape Reinga, sand duning, travel along 90 mile beach and visit a 1,000 year old kauri forest. Find out prices and book the one day Cape Reinga tour here.

The verdict

Northland New Zealand is often a destination that’s overlooked in favour of heading to the South Island. But if you want to experience the heart of New Zealand culture, experience amazing unspoiled beaches and landscapes, and get a bit more off the beaten track, then an Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip is a great way to do it.

Back in Auckland after your roadtrip? Take a look at our guide to The Best Places To Eat In Auckland With Kids.

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14 Comments

What a great post, I am from New Zealand and I think you have done an awesome itinerary in the winterless North! I’ll definitely be sharing with my friends that are heading that way.

Awesome, thanks Kaylie! It certainly is a special part of the world 🙂

This is great. I am in the process of planning our week itinerary for the North Island so I enjoyed reading this! Many thanks L)

That’s awesome Amber 🙂 Shout out if you need any more tips for your itinerary 🙂 Cheers, Kylie

HEADING TO NZ FOR DEC/JAN FROM NORTHERN IRELAND FOR AN ADVENTURE WITH THE KIDS! ILL DEF BE FOLLOWING IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS IN THE NORTH. THANK YOU SO MUCH THAT WAS A FAB READ.

Oh that’s brilliant Nina! Thanks so much for your kind comments. You will have such an amazing time 🙂 If you need any help with the planning of your trip or have any questions I’m happy to help 🙂

Great description, very useful for us to plan our upcoming trip. If you had a total of 7 nights to spend, trying rather to spend more days in 1 place rather than moving around every day, how you split them? We are a family with 2 small kids. I was thinking 3 nights Bay of Islands, 2 nights Opononi, 2 nights Waipoua forest. A bit concerned about it being a very long day of driving leaving from the Bay to the Cape and down to Opononi though.

Hi there, I’m glad you found it useful! Yes that’s potentially a very long day with 2 small kids, also it will really only leave you time for a quick look at the lighthouse and not a lot of time to do the sand dunes, 90 mile beach etc. I think you definitely need 3 nights in Bay of Islands, then I would do the Cape Reinga trip then stay the night in Kaitaia or out a the beach at Ahiapara which is nicer. Karekare Peninsula is also beautiful and a good choice, but a bit further. Then head down to Opononi from there. It’s very doable to visit Waipoua Forest from Opononi so if you don’t want to move around too much then choose either the forest or Opononi to stay in and explore the other. Just a note too – the forest is incredible but there isn’t much there in the way of shops/restaurants/amenities etc so if you think you will need these then Opononi or adjoining Omapere is a better bet. Hope that helps!

Thanks so much for your post,has really helped to plan our New Zealand road trip

You’re welcome Lesley, enjoy your trip!

Wow thanks for sharing your awesome adventure! We are about to take the same trip early March. Also NZers but ready to explore our ‘backyard’. Just a question regarding the ferry to Rawene. If coming down that side of the island is that the only way to continue down the back through to Auckland? Thanks 😊

Hi Sharne, that’s so cool, you’ll love this part of home I’m sure! If you go via the ferry at Rawene then yes that’s really the only road back to Auckland, through Waipoua Forest and Dargaville then back out to the east coast and State Highway 1. If you want to cross over earlier so you don’t go back through the forest, from Rawene, head on State Highway 12 to Kaikohe which will bring you back out onto State Highway 1 and the East Coast. Waipoua is incredible though and really worth doing in our opinion. Hope that helps!

Kylie, I have been thinking about doing this trip for awhile now. I live in Mount Maunganui and wanting to take my two daughters who are aged 6 & 9. Would a week be long enough to do all the things you have done or do you think more time is needed? Did you pre plan before you did this!

Hi Caroline, sorry I only just saw your comment! Yes you could do it in a week for sure but you would be moving and driving most days I would imagine, if you had longer then you could spend more time exploring but it’s definitely doable in a week. Depends on the time of year, if you’re doing it in summer school holidays then I’d definitely book ahead, but otherwise you’d be fine to wing it as you go in terms of accommodation. Hope that helps!

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