North Island West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Book now
It's always the quiet ones, they say. Of course, they may be referring to shy kids who blossom into Hollywood stars. However, we mean the quieter destinations in New Zealand. The not-so-out-there spots with the most incredible rewards. Like this North Island West Coast road trip!
Think about it. Tourism ads battle for your attention, encouraging you to book dolphin swimming in the Bay of Islands or wine tours out of Wellington. But when was the last time you saw a campaign promoting a trip to Taranaki?
Until now!
The southwest coast offers mind-boggling natural sights, countless cultural gems, and more outdoor activities than a Hobbit has hairs on their feet. So yes, the quiet ones are always the ones to watch for, and we’re about to show you how to blossom on a 5-day North Island West Coast road trip.
Pick up your JUCY wheels at our convenient campervan rental at Auckland airport today. If you're flying in, you’ll appreciate our free complimentary airport shuttle (during business hours).
We’re all about streamlining your check-in experience so you can get on the road faster. Be sure to complete your pre-departure check in before you arrive at the branch. If you’ve just landed, we recommend completing your check-in during the 10-minute shuttle ride from Auckland airport to the JUCY branch!
First up, explore the ancient forest and gushing waterfalls of Waikato’s Hakariamata mountain range. Soak up the rainforest flora and fauna hiking the 2km return Summit Track. Or if you prefer to take it slow, take a more leisurely stroll on the Kauri Loop Track, where the highlight is an ancient kauri tree said to be over 1,000 years old!
Next up, head to the centre of the ‘Tron’ (that’s how the locals refer to Hamilton)! Nestled on the banks of the Waikato River, the award-winning Hamilton Gardens is more than worthy of a gander. We recommend setting aside an afternoon to explore the dozens of beautifully themed gardens on show.
From here, head to the coast to wake to the sounds of the ocean from the Raglan Holiday Park - it’s almost entirely surrounded by water!
Start the day on a camping high, cooking a pancake feast in your custom JUCY camper kitchen. Once you’ve fueled your body, r and make your way to the unusual rock formations of the Raglan Pancake Rocks.
Raglan is one of New Zealand’s top surfing spots, so you’d be cray-cray to miss out on some time rocking the numerous point breaks here if you're a surfer. Ngarunui Beach is a firm fave.
On your way out of Raglan, stop by the Bridal Veil Falls, with its 55-metre Wairēinga Falls. For die-hard trampers with extra time on their North Island West Coast road trip (allow six hours), hike the ancient volcano on the Karioi Summit Track. From here you’ll be able to see views which go all the way to Mt Taranaki.
With your road trip tunes blasting, travel south to New Plymouth and the 25-metre rock formations of the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock. Okay, it’s actually now two sisters and an elephant without a trunk, thanks to sea erosion. However, it’s still an epic roadside stop.
Continue to going down to New Plymouth. There’s no better way to welcome yourself into the folds of this community than with a selfie at Te Rewa Rewa Bridge which is the perfect photo for Instagram. The bridge has iconic, out-there architecture, and the pointed arches perfectly frame Mt Taranaki in the distance.
It’s a stones’ throw to a JUCY camping fave. The Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park, is New Plymouth’s only beachfront campground. Grab some supper at nearby Snappers Fish and Chips and watch the sunset.
If you’re visiting New Plymouth in summer, check out the Festival of Lights. Alternatively, the Taranaki Thermal Spa is a great place to soak year-round.
After cooking brekkie-out-the-back, stroll along the Coastal Walkway from the campground to the CBD. This sea-edge promenade is an excellent way to reach the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. New Plymouth has a solid arts and culture scene, with Govett-Brewster surpassing the contemporary galleries of even the larger NZ cities.
Stroll inland to Pukekura Park, one of New Plymouth’s botanical highlights. While you might not have time to explore all the botanical wonders of these 52-hectare grounds, you’ll likely want to head to Poets Bridge to see Mt Taranaki looking majestic in the background.
Continue onwards for some of nature’s best scenery and a major highlight of a North Island West Coast roadie: driving around Egmont National Park on Surf Highway 45. Along the way, pop into the coastal communities, cool art galleries, and delicious cafés. Plus, stop at the postcard-perfect Cape Egmont Lighthouse for a quick snap!
If you have some time, visit the quirky, cultural Traders and Whalers museum. Here you’ll see Aotearoa tales, twinkling lights, and a boat. We’ll say no more.
Tonight, get as close to Mt Taranaki as possible and camp at Stratford Holiday Park.
Start off the day by exploring the regional highlight in Taranaki. This is, of course, the lush and majestic, Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki (formerly known as Mt Egmont National Park). The easy-going, 1-hour Wilkies Pool Loop Track takes you through the Goblin Forest with its impressive, twisted, mossy kamahi trunks. For another hour on foot, add the Kapuni Loop Track.
From Stratford, take the Forgotten World Highway, travelling along SH43. This former colonial horse track takes you through unspoiled scenery, including the narrow Moki Tunnel and views from Whangamomona Saddle.
After four hours (and some cool stops) in your JUCY vehicle, you’ll have earned a relaxing soak in Rotorua. Freshen up at the All Seasons Holiday Park then head south to Kerosene Creek, where relaxing thermal springs await. If you’d prefer to stay local, the (hella romantic) Secret Spot Hot Tubs are a lush alternative.
While you’re here, the Redwoods Nightlights offer an enchanting, fairytale-like night walk through the treetops of the Whakarewarewa Forest.
We’ve reached the last day of the itinerary! Noooo! But you wouldn’t possibly think we’d encourage you to just drive back to our Auckland branchwith no stops? No way, bro!
The last stop of the trip will likely be another trip highlight: the Blue Springs. The stunning crystal spring waters sparkle, and if you were to taste it, you would know them well. Why? Because most of the country’s bottled water comes from here! Follow the Te Waihou Walkway to reach the springs.
After being almost blinded by the incredible array of natural colours on display at the Blue Springs, it’s time to go. Allow two hours to reach our Auckland branch from the walkway, but also make sure you arrive 30 minutes before we close if you want to catch the last complimentary airport shuttle.
We know that it’s sometimes hard to get away for a full five days. Even for an incredible North Island West Coast road trip! No problem, you can edit this itinerary down by skipping Rotorua. Plus, switch your Hamilton and the Blue Springs visit for your return drive. You’ll still have a blast, either way!
Decided you do like the quiet things in life? Along with this in-depth itinerary, we’ve got campervans waiting and an excited crew ready to set you up!
Now is the time to start taking the scenic route, so book your JUCY campervan hire now!
Add SEO Text in here