Days 18: Whanganui
Distance: 193km / 120 miles
Enjoy the scenic InterIslander ferry that takes you from the picturesque fishing village of Picton across the Cook Strait to New Zealand’s North Island. As the ferry leaves Picton you’ll sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, making the journey between the two islands an experience in itself. Once on the North Island, you’ll be spoiled for choice of short adventures to keep you entertained on your way from Wellington to Whanganui. Offshore from Waikanae is Kapiti Island, a nature reserve where visitors can book tours for close encounters with rare birds. In Paekakariki there’s an escarpment walkway and electric tramway, and in Waikanae you’ll find Mangaone Walkway.
Step into Whanganui’s rich past and vibrant present along its scenic river. Explore heritage architecture, a lively arts scene, and the iconic paddle steamer that still cruises the Whanganui River. Once a bustling trade hub in the late 1800s, the river played a vital role in transporting people and goods—shaping the character of this charming riverside city.
Days 19 - 20: New Plymouth
Distance: 159 km / 98 miles
Enjoy the dairy farms, scenic little towns, and views of Mt Taranaki along your route north.
At Hawera there are a choice of routes for you. If you prefer beach views and fancy a stop at the town of Oakura, then follow the ‘Surf Highway’ around Cape Egmont. Or you can take the inland route via Stratford and enjoy the green serenity of farmland. If you would like to get a closer view of Mount Taranaki, there are walking tracks on its lower reaches.
New Plymouth has plenty to keep you busy, well fed, and well informed about the area. Be sure to visit the world class Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre to experience one of New Zealand’s best-known artist’s kinetic sculptures, exhibited in an impressive and state of the art gallery.
Days 21 - 22: Waitomo Caves
Distance: 180 km / 112 miles
Enjoy the drive along the sparkling Tasman Sea as you drive north through seaside villages. There are lots of picnic and walking spots along the way, especially at Awakino.
Waitomo is famous for its caves and kiwi house. World class systems of limestone caves beneath the surface of this area provide adventure at every level, from serious caving to leisurely walking or boat tours. Try the black (a bit less hair-raising but still lots of fun) or white-water rafting adventures to fully appreciate the wonder of these underground grottos full of stalactites, stalagmites, and colonies of glow worms.
Days 23 – 24: Red Beach (Auckland)
Distance: 195 km / 121 miles
The trip north from Waitomo heads right through the dairy heartland of New Zealand. Stop in at Hamilton to see the University, the mighty river, the beautiful public gardens, or some of its museums and galleries. The landscape becomes even more hilly and lush as you head north and enter the environs of Auckland. Here, in New Zealand’s largest city of over a million people, spread across volcanic hills and hugging two harbours, where you will find plenty to explore.
Auckland is a great place to visit museums, art galleries, war memorials, historic Maori sites, parks and gardens, and climb small volcanic hills. It hosts concerts, the ballet and opera, numerous theatre productions, and offers unlimited eating and drinking options, as well as vineyards.