15 Day Budget Friendly North Island Road Trip Itinerary

Spend the day visiting some of Auckland’s highlights, including a ferry ride to Devonport from Auckland City. It’s a quick trip across the harbour where you can wander the boutique shops, enjoy an ice cream, and take in the beautiful harbour views. While you’re there, take a walk up Mt Victoria, one of Auckland’s 53 volcanoes.

Before heading off on your next leg, park up for the night at Orere Point TOP 10 Holiday Park in Papakura.

The Martha Mine Pit in Waihi is a great place to stretch your legs (it’s free, too!). Take the stairs from the footpath or, if you’ve brought your bike with you, head to the cycle trail (at the right of the stairs along the footpath). The 4km loop track starts at the pumphouse and rises to the edge of the open pit – have your camera at the ready.

Plan a stop in the tiny township of Paeroa where you can spend hours fossicking through the antique stores for a bargain before getting a selfie with the famous L&P statue.

Once you reach Tauranga, spend a night at the Tauranga Tourist Park, just 4km from the city centre.

Be sure to add a visit to Mt Maunganui to your trip planner. Take a walk up the mount and, in summer, enjoy a swim at this popular beach. You can also enjoy a dip in the cooler months with a warm soak at the Mount Hot Pools. These saltwater hot pools are super soothing and a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon. General admission is around $20, with discounts for seniors, children, and families.

After a great day of activity, park up your campervan and enjoy a relaxed night at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park.

Before you arrive in Rotorua, schedule a stop at Okere Falls Track. Stretch your legs along the 1.2km (return) track and take in magnificent waterfalls and lush native bush views.

Spend the night at the Rotorua Family Holiday Park.

For a small fee of around $40, you can learn more about the incredible history of the Rotorua region on a Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour. There’s plenty to see and do at this amazing attraction, so it’s great value for money.

For a handy spot to park up for the night, plan a stay at Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park.

One of the must-dos is Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, located at 201 Waiotapu Loop Road, just out of Rotorua. Plan to spend a good few hours here as you wander through the ancient, colourful landscape that forms this geothermal wonder. Try and time your visit to see the Lady Knox Geyser come to life at 10.15 am.

A little further along your travels, make a stop at Lake Ngakoro Waterfall – this thermal waterfall is super hot, so don’t be tempted to take a swim!

Once you arrive in Taupo, head to Taupo DeBretts holiday park, where you can enjoy a relaxing night’s stay as well as a soak in the onsite hot pools (for a surcharge).

From lakeside picnics to renting a bike and discovering the many awesome bike trails around Taupo, you can have a great time without breaking the budget. A must-do while you’re there is a visit to see the majestic Huka Falls and a stop to see what’s buzzing at the nearby Huka Honey Hive.

Park up for the night at the Great Lake Holiday Park Taupo, just five minutes drive from the town centre.

Halfway along your journey, you’ll find the Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve, a site noted for the 1869 New Zealand Land Wars. Learn about the reserve’s dramatic history as you explore native bush along one of the two walking tracks – the 1.5km northern loop or the longer 3km southern loop.

For the perfect picnic stop, set your GPS for Trelinnoe Park, about 1.5 hours drive from Taupo, on Napier-Taupo Road. This stunning 30-acre park is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful woodland gardens and is home to a variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, and natives. Magnificent at any time of year!

Settle in for the night with a comfy stay at the Affordable Westshore Holiday Park.

A great place to start is along Marine Parade – a 3km stretch along the waterfront offering everything from an aquarium and gardens to a skate park and mini golf.

Another fun, free thing to do in Hawke’s Bay is a visit to Te Mata Peak. The park is loaded with walking and cycling tracks and is home to century-old giant redwood trees. Climb the summit (4km loop) and take in the 360° views.

Grab a bottle of local wine (there’s plenty to choose from!) and set up camp for the night at the Hawke’s Bay Holiday Park.

Along the way, you’ll be passing through the Wairarapa townships of Eketahuna, where you can grab a selfie with the giant kiwi, and Masterton, where you can treat the kids to a ride on the miniature train at Queen Elizabeth Park.

Once you’ve arrived in Wellington, head to the Cuba Street Motorhome Park. Park up and take a short walk to the central hub of Wellington for dinner at one of the many great restaurants.

At the top, take a wander through the Wellington Botanic Gardens or look to the skies at the Wellington Space Place observatory. A trip to Wellington wouldn’t be complete without planning a visit to Te Papa Museum, and if you’re there on a Sunday, head along to the Harbourside Market for breakfast or lunch.

Enjoy freedom camping at the Evans Bay Marina Carpark (self-contained vehicles only).

Add another great beach to your list with a stop at Paraparaumu Beach on the Kapiti Coast. The beach is safe for swimming, and there’s plenty of grass for a picnic too.

Further north, plan a stop at the National Army Museum in Waiouru. The museum is open from 9 am-4.30 pm daily and is a fantastic place to learn about New Zealand’s military history.

Enjoy a well-earned rest at the Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park.

If you fancy going to greater heights, head up Mount Ruapehu. There are great views to be had in summer, while in winter, you can enjoy a spot of skiing or just have some fun in the snow. Take note that Mighty campervans are not able to use ski access roads from 1 June to 31 October. For a more relaxing drive to the summit, park up at National Park and catch a shuttle.

Once you arrive in Waitomo, it’s time to go to great depths with a visit to the Waitomo Caves. This magical spot is famous for its vast cave network and dazzling displays of glow worms. For a free option, check out the Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk.

Put your feet up at the warm and welcoming Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park.

One of the best is a visit to the Hamilton Gardens, on Hungerford Cres, Hamilton. The 54-acre park has more than 20 themed gardens, so plan several hours to enjoy them all.

Afterwards, stop at Ruakura Berry Farm for a refreshing ice cream to enjoy as you head back to Auckland to drop off your campervan at Mighty Campers.

Ready to book your North Island road trip?

From glow worms and alpacas to beautiful beaches and waterfalls, yes, New Zealand’s North Island has it all! And best of all? It’s all well within budget when you plan a few key stops along the way – and, of course, when you travel in the comfort and freedom of a Mighty camper. Ready to get started? Book your Mighty camper today.