In August Jade and I packed our ski jackets and headed across the ditch to see everything New Zealand’s ‘second best island’ (according to every Kiwi we spoke to) had to offer.
From hitting the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, to soaking in mud baths at Hells Gate and ziplining through the forest in Rotorua, this was a trip of a lifetime!
Here is your ultimate guide to road tripping in New Zealand’s beautiful North Island.
Cost Breakdown AUD
Note: this list is not extensive or final, it has been supplied to give you a vague indication of prices in 2023. Prices will vary based on seasons and your own travel style.
Flights: $662 ($331pp) Sydney > Auckland return with Jetstar (bought on sale)
Travel Insurance: $238 (2 adults) through 1Cover
Van Rental: $1,080 Mad Campers ‘Mad2’ for 12 days
Petrol: $282 (close to $3/L)
Campsites: $480 (approx. $50/night)
Hotels: $742 (airport first and last night + Mt Ruapehu accommodation)
SIM card: $39 (per person for a 10GB Spark SIM from the Airport)
Activities: Prices throughout
Mad Campers Van Hire
I’ve found that New Zealand is very good in terms of hiring vehicles to drivers aged 18-25. Previously, I’ve hired cars with Jucy and GoRentals. This time we went with Mad Campers, which has depots in Auckland and Christchurch.
We were really happy with our van and it was very affordable, coming in around $100 AUD per day including full cover insurance. We weren’t sure about staying in a van during winter, but this was cheaper than hiring a car, so we figured even if we didn’t camp the whole time, we’d still be better off!
Compared to other vans – like the July equivalent that we took around South Australia – it was much smaller and didn’t have much storage or space to move around when the bed was set up. This would be okay in summer when the weather is warmer and you’d want to spend more time sitting outside to eat and relax.
That said, it definitely did the job and we would definitely hire a MadCamper again!
Another fun perk was the ‘Mad Challenge’. Mad Campers set their clients nine challenges and if you complete and post about it, you get 5% of your daily rate refunded. You can watch our Challenge video here:
Day 1 – Auckland
As soon as we landed in Auckland, we took an Uber over to Mad Campers to pick up our van ready to hit the road!
The original plan was to head towards Waitomo and stay halfway in Huntly, but Jade scored us last minute resale tickets to the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final in Auckland. The energy at our first football game was electric and the perfect way to set the vibe for our upcoming adventure!
We booked a site at Avondale Motor Park as it was on the train line and easy to get into the city.
@flisstravel Fly from Sydney to Auckland with me to watch Spain defeat Sweden in the FIFA Women’s World Cup ⚽️✈️ #newzealand #traveltiktok #nzroadtrip #flywithme #dailyvlog #travelvlog #jetstaraustralia #roadtrip ♬ original sound – Fliss | Travel ✈️
Day 2 – Waitomo & Ruakuri Caves
After a restful sleep, we were ready bright and early to make the 2.5hr drive from Auckland to Waitomo to visit the famous Glowworm Caves.
When it comes to immersing yourself in New Zealand’s natural beauty, Waitomo is the perfect first stop in the North Island. We purchased a dual pass for $98pp NZD for tours of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Ruakuri Caves, both run by local Maori guides.
The Waitomo Caves tour is 45minutes and involves a short walk and boat ride through the caves to spot glowworms and learn about the historical and cultural significance of the area. No photography is permitted on this tour.
The Ruakuri Caves are located a further 10minute drive from the Glowworm Caves. This tour is longer and more active with 2hrs of walking. It takes you deep underground to marvel at the stalagmites, stalactites and of course, more glowworms. Photography is permitted on this tour.
Stay: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
Eat: Dinner at The Tomo Bar & Eatery
@flisstravel I’m convinced there’s hobbits living in those mountains 🧙♂️ #roadtrip #newzealandtravel #purenz #travelguides #travelblog ♬ original sound – LUIS AB✰D
@flisstravel Any day that starts with a rainbow is guaranteed to be a good one 🌈 exploring the stunning Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Ruakuri Caves today! #newzealandtravel #nznorthisland #visitnz #purenz #waitomoglowwormcaves #glowwormscave #ruakuricave #travelguide #nzmustdo ♬ Life – Ben Lam
Day 3 – Marakopa Falls & Ohakune
Another must do in the Waitomo region is the short walk up to Waitomo Lookout Point. This hike is an easy 25 minute 600 metre return trip. As with every hike in New Zealand, be mindful to only leave footprints and take photographs. And learn from my mistake – this trail can get quite muddy – don’t wear light pants and white shoes like I did!
Our next stop was the stunning Marakopa Falls, just a 30-minute drive from Waitomo. A short walk from the car park leads to these beautiful Falls. But once again, be prepared for muddy terrain!
Leaving Waitomo behind, we began the 2h 45m drive towards Ohakune to spend the night. Driving south, we caught our first glimpses of the snow-capped Mt Ruapehu!
Ohakune is a charming small town, the highlight being the free (and slightly odd) Carrot Adventure Park. When in Ohakune be sure to try the ‘nations best’ eclairs from the Chocolate Eclair Shop – absolutely worth a stop.
Stay: Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park
@flisstravel The carrot adventure park was the undisputed highlight of this trip 🥕 #roadtrip #newzealandtravel #ohakunenz #nznorthisland #traveltok #travelguide #purenz #dailyvlog #vanlife ♬ original sound – Fliss | Travel ✈️
Day 4 – Taranaki Falls Track
After our night in Ohakune, it was time to head towards National Park to set ourselves up for snowboarding the following day.
We made a quick stop at the Mangawhero Forest Walk to do the easy 3.2km loop trail. Further up the road from here is Mangawhero Falls – famously featured in the Lord of the Rings films.
We decided to go past National Park and head up to the Tongariro Visitor Centre, where the Taranaki Falls hike begins.
Hailed one of the best short walks in New Zealand, the Taranaki Falls track is truly spectacular! The loop is 6km and is meant to take 2hrs to complete but due to the icy, muddy track (and stopping every five mins to admire the stunning views) it took us closer to 3hrs.
Starting on the lower track, we first passed the smaller Cascade Falls before making it to the stunning 20m Taranaki Falls. I couldn’t believe my eyes when it started snowing as we got here!
Be sure to dress appropriately if doing this hike during winter – we were nice and snug in our snow gear. I managed to complete the hike in sneakers, but struggled a little through the icier and muddier parts, so proper hiking boots would be ideal!
After our hike, we drove back to National Park and traded the freezing van for a couple of nights in a room at The Park Hotel Ruapehu.
@flisstravel Hailed one of the best short walks in New Zealand, the Taranaki Falls track is truly spectacular 😍 The loop is 6km and is meant to take 2hrs to complete but due to the icy, muddy track (and stopping every five mins to admire the stunning views) it took us closer to 3hrs 😅 Starting on the lower track, we first passed the smaller Cascade Falls before making it to the stunning 20m Taranaki Falls. I couldn’t believe my eyes when it started SNOWING as we got here 🤯 Be sure to dress appropriately if doing this hike during winter – we were nice and snug in our snow gear. I managed to complete the hike in sneakers, but struggled a little through the icier and muddier parts, so proper hiking boots would be ideal! Will you be adding this to your bucketlist?? #taranakifalls #nztravel #visitnz #newzealandtravel #travelguide #hikingnz #shortwalksnz ♬ original sound – CONTENT CREATION TIPS
@flisstravel Note to self: bring better shoes than non-waterproof sneakers if you plan on hiking in the snow 😅 On the agenda for day 4: 🍞 breaky at Ohakune Toastie 🌳 short walk: Mangawhero Forest Walk ❄️ snowy Taranaki Falls track (cannot recommend this hike more 😍) #ohakunenz #taranakinz #taranakifalls #nzhikes #nzroadtrip #nznorthisland #visitnewzealand #newzealandtravel ♬ original sound – Fliss | Travel ✈️
Day 5 – Whakapapa Ski Fields
There’s truly nothing like the snow in New Zealand! After a semi-fail of a NSW snow trip last month, we were excited to hit the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. While we’d planned to spend two days at Whakapapa, the weather on day two wasn’t on our side, so we just spent one day snowboarding. Still – it was 100% worth it!
As we were unsure what the driving conditions would be like, we pre-booked a shuttle bus with Ruapehu Mountain Transport ($50pp return) to take us from National Park up the mountain. This was a good call, because we got to enjoy the views and not worry about driving back down when we were tired at the end of the day.
The hiring and lesson process at Whakapapa was straightforward – once we picked up our lift pass cards from a self-serve kiosk, all we had to do was scan the card to pick up our hire gear and check into lessons. Seasonal pricing for lift passes, gear and lessons can be found on the Mt Ruapehu website.
Another highlight of Whakapapa Ski Field is the Sky Waka – a scenic gondola that takes you to the top of the mountain, either to ski the black runs, go sledding or enjoy the views!
@flisstravel Come snowboarding with me at Whakapapa ski field in new zealand ❄️🫶 #nznorthisland #nzroadtrip #visitnewzealand #whakapapaskifield #mtruapehunz #ruapehu #snowboarding #dailyvlog ♬ original sound – Fliss | Travel ✈️
@flisstravel Snowboarding at Mt Selwyn in Australia last month vs Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand today 🤯🤯 this is your sign to book an NZ snow trip ❄️ #mtruapehunz #skiingaustralia #skiingnewzealand #snowboarding #nzwinter #visitnz #travelguide #wintertravel ♬ Sound by ajwavy – John Zimmer
Day 6 – Lake Taupo
By Day 6 it was time to start heading back up north, this time along the east coast. Our first thermal pools experience of the trip was at the Tokaanu thermal pools, a half hour drive from National Park towards Lake Taupo. A private pool for 20minutes set us back $15, and it was the perfect way to soothe our sore muscles after a day on the slopes.
The town of Taupo is set on the northern part of the lake. Up here, explore gems like Huka Falls (easily accessible from the carpark but very busy) and Huka Honey Hive – which we visited the following day for delicious honey flavoured hot drinks.
Also up here, you’ll find the Craters of the Moon. Be transported to the ‘Moon’ for just $10pp on this otherworldly geothermal walk. The easy loop takes about an hour to walk and is truly magical!
Stay: Taupo Top 10 Holiday Park
Day 7 – Taupo & Waikite Valley
Back at Lake Taupo, take a scenic cruise out to the Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings. There are a few options available – as it was winter, we opted for the 90min Chris Jolly cruise for $45pp. Alternatively there is a sail boat option, which would be beautiful in the warmer months.
After the cruise, drive up to the Waikite Valley Hot Pools to unwind and camp the night. These pools are absolutely stunning and the resort felt like a tropical island!
It cost us $70 for 2 adults to camp with unlimited entry to the hot pools between 6am-8pm. There were only a few campsites and the facilities were minimal but included toilets, showers, a small camp kitchen and cafe. I’d imagine it would book out very quickly in summer.
We didn’t have any service down here, so it was nice to fully switch off.
Day 8 – Waimangu Volcanic Valley
After a sunrise swim in the hot pools, we packed up the van and headed towards Rotorua.
Our first stop of the day was a quick drive around the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal loop. Here you can see natural hot mud pools, geysers and plenty of geothermal activity.
A few kilometres further, we reached the Waimangu Volcanic Valley – the worlds youngest geothermal system. The price was a bit steeper at $94pp NZD to do the walk and cruise along the lake – but worth it for the incredible views.
The walk was fairly easy and downhill with three bus stops along the way if you want to tap out at any point. The walk ends at the lake where you can either go on a cruise around the lake or catch a shuttle bus back to the top.
The experience took about three hours and afterwards we drove to Rotorua for the next few nights. The sun finally came out this afternoon, which was such a treat after a week of rain every day!
Stay: Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park
Day 9 – Rotorua Skyline, Luge & Ziplining
Rotorua is known for its adrenaline pumping activities, so day 9 was all about adventure.
We started the morning at Skyline Rotorua, where we had a blast luge-ing down tracks up to 1.8km long. Our ticket gave us a return gondola ride plus three runs on the luge, but we could’ve done so many more!
Compared to the Skyline in Queenstown, I thought the luge was much better at Rotoura, but the gondola views were better in Queenstown.
Other activities up here included ziplining, a giant swing (for adrenaline junkies), nature walks, mountain biking, a restaurant and cafe.
After a quick lunch at burgerfuel, it was time for our second activity of the day – ziplining! We did the the Original Canopy Tour with Canopy Tours – this is rated as one of the best nature experiences in the world, and it certainly did not disappoint!
Over 3hrs, we walked and zipped through the forest, learning about all the amazing conservation work Canopy Tours have done to restore the forest to its former glory. This experience is a must do when in Rotorua!
Stay: Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park
Day 10 – Hells Gate & Mount Maunganui
Located 30 minutes north of Rotorua, Hell’s Gate is another infamous activity in New Zealand’s North Island. Experience a stunning geothermal walk before lathering yourself in mud and relaxing in the sulphur pools for $105pp.
There was only a few other people in the baths and a staff member told us that it was super busy in summer. Apparently the sulphur pools (which we had to ourselves) are completely full with people waiting for their 20 minutes slot in the mud pools! Winter is definitely the time to do it.
One thing to keep in mind is that your clothes (and skin) will stink of sulphur! We brought old swimsuits and $5 towels from Kmart – which we immediately threw out. Almost all our clothes and the van were tainted with the sulphuric smell the rest of the trip. We had to throw out some clothes that we couldn’t get the smell out of.
I wouldn’t do this experience in a van again, but if you’re staying in a hotel with immediate access to a shower and washing machine, you should be okay.
Our next stop of the trip was Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. We stayed at a stunning beachfront site at Mount Manunganui Beachside Holiday Park, right at the base of the the mountain.
We did the summit climb to watch the sunset, which was magical (after I stopped dying from the very steep hike)! The walk to the Mauao summit takes about 40minutes and requires a good level of fitness.
@flisstravel this is your sign to do a new zealand road trip ✨ #vanlife #roadtrip #newzealandtravel #visitnz #nzroadtrip #madcampers #mountmaunganui ♬ moon northernelg edit – nathaellabat
Day 11 – Te Waihou Walkway and Blue Spring & Hamilton
A must do short walk in the North Island is Te Waihou Walkway and Blue Spring near Hamilton. This is an easy walk 4.5km each way and can be started from either Leslie St or Whites Road Carpark. The springs are located 800m from the Leslie St entry but this side was closed due to a landslide so we did the full walk.
The Blue Spring featured some of the clearest water I’ve ever seen – which makes sense because 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water is taken from here!
We spent the night at Hamilton City Holiday Park and visited Hamilton Gardens. The Gardens have free entry with lots of parking and feature themed gardens – the perfect spot to spend a lazy afternoon. My favourites were the Italian and Ancient Egyptian gardens.
Day 12 – Auckland
Our final day consisted of driving from Hamilton back to Auckland. We made a quick stop at Lake Hakanoa on the way before saying goodbye to our trusty Mad Camper.
As we had an early flight the next morning, we stayed at Sudima Auckland Airport. This felt like pure luxury after two weeks living in the van!
I hope you enjoyed this post and that it inspired you to visit New Zealand! You can check out my other New Zealand travel guides for more inspiration and follow my adventures on Instagram, Tik Tok & YouTube.
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