{"id":13732,"date":"2025-07-22T06:43:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T04:43:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/?p=13732"},"modified":"2025-09-28T08:37:51","modified_gmt":"2025-09-28T06:37:51","slug":"north-island-of-new-zealand-motorhome-route","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/north-island-of-new-zealand-motorhome-route\/","title":{"rendered":"North Island of New Zealand Motorhome Route"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t know how many days to spend in New Zealand? Struggling to find the perfect route that connects all the main attractions? Not sure where to spend the night or which city to start from? You&#8217;ll find all of this\u2014and much more\u2014in this motorhome route around the North Island of New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stop worrying and discover the best places to visit, things to do, and even campsites to sleep at! All guided by two explorers who have spent over two years on the road in New Zealand in a camper van (Marcos: 6 months, Thea: 1 year and 7 months).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Author\u2019s note: This RV route is written in a diary format to make the experience more personal. In reality, we traveled quite slowly, stopping to work in some places and staying for months in others. But more or less, this is the route we followed while traveling together in New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">North Island Motorhome Route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-senff-sticky-block\" data-topspace=\"60\" data-cfa=\"true\" data-minwidth=\"600\" data-maxwidth=\"99999\" data-pushup=\"#final-footer\" data-zindex=\"1\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#introduction\">Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#day-1-auckland-piha\">Day 1: Auckland \u2013 Piha<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#day-2-piha-paihia\">Day 2: Piha \u2013 Paihia<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#day-3-paihia-ahipara\">Day 3: Paihia \u2013 Ahipara<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#day-4-ahipara-thames\">Day 4: Ahipara \u2013 Thames<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#day-5-thames\">Day 5: Thames<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#day-6-thames-mt-maunganui\">Day 6: Thames \u2013 Mt Maunganui<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#dia-7-mt-maunganui-national-park-village\">Day 7. Mt Maunganui &#8211; National Park Village<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#day-8-national-park-village\">Day 8: National Park Village<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#day-9-national-park-village-wellington\">Day 9: National Park Village \u2013 Wellington<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#day-10-wellington-whanganui\">Day 10. Wellington &#8211; Whanganui<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#day-11-whanganui-new-plymouth\">Day 11. Whanganui &#8211; New Plymouth<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#day-12-new-plymouth-auckland\">Day 12. New Plymouth &#8211; Auckland<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#h-mapa-de-la-ruta\">Location<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#north-island-motorhome-route-budget\">North Island Motorhome Route Budget<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#remember\">Remember<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction\">Introduction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a suggested 12-day motorhome itinerary around New Zealand\u2019s North Island. This route is especially designed for travelers with limited time who want to make the most of their visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ll assume you have around two weeks in New Zealand, and you\u2019ve decided to focus solely on one island. Keep in mind that just flying to and from New Zealand (say, from Spain) will take at least two days\u2014so remember to factor that in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This itinerary also works well if you plan to visit the entire country. In that case, after returning to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/auckland-travel-guide\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"13204\">Auckland<\/a><\/strong>, you can catch a domestic flight\u2014perhaps to <strong>Christchurch<\/strong>\u2014and rent another camper van to explore the South Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-1-auckland-piha\"><strong>Day 1: Auckland \u2013 Piha<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Finding the campervan<\/strong> was easy. We met the rental company (which we booked two months in advance) just outside the airport. We spent our first day exploring Auckland without diving too deep into the city center, and along the way, we stocked up on essentials\u2014canned food, pasta, eggs, and plenty of vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/auckland-piha-beach-1.jpg\" alt=\"Piha beach\" class=\"wp-image-15580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/auckland-piha-beach-1.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/auckland-piha-beach-1-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Piha beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thanks to the CamperMate app, we also found a public water source to fill up the campervan&#8217;s water tanks. In the evening, we headed to Piha Beach and camped at a lovely site near the shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td>Piha Camping Ground<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>40 km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>1 hora<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-2-piha-paihia\">Day 2: Piha \u2013 Paihia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our second day started early, as we had a long drive north toward <strong>Northland<\/strong>. We made a couple of scenic stops along the way to Paihia: Waipu Cave and the Whangarei Falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We arrived in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/paihia-the-best-kept-gem-of-the-bay-of-islands\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4674\">Paihia<\/a><\/strong> shortly after midday and explored the culturally significant Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Later, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Fish and Chips restaurant in Mangonui and then camped just north of Paihia.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/whangaroa.jpg\" alt=\"Paihia under Thea\u2019s feet\" class=\"wp-image-15579\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/whangaroa.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/whangaroa-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Paihia under Thea\u2019s feet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td>Waitangi Holiday Park<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>262 km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>4 h<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-3-paihia-ahipara\">Day 3: Paihia \u2013 Ahipara<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another day on the road, but this time with beautiful sunshine. We made our way from Paihia past the Karikari Peninsula\u2014eager to reach Cape Reinga.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"934\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-04.jpg\" alt=\"Cape Reinga, the northern tip of New Zealand\" class=\"wp-image-15589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-04.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-04-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cape Reinga, the northern tip of New Zealand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It was absolutely worth it. Though the sun began to fade by mid-morning, we still had time for some great photos. Our next stop was Ninety Mile Beach, where we tried sandboarding. Later, we camped near Ahipara.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td>Ahipara Holiday Park<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>368 km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>5 h<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-4-ahipara-thames\">Day 4: Ahipara \u2013 Thames<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This was a full day of driving\u2014necessary if you want to explore the North Island in under two weeks. So, we left Ahipara early and drove all the way to Thames.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"933\" height=\"1400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-03.jpg\" alt=\"The impressive Kauri trees\" class=\"wp-image-15581\" style=\"width:auto;height:700px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-03.jpg 933w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-03-467x700.jpg 467w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 933px) 100vw, 933px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The impressive Kauri trees<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fortunately, the drive was broken up by several amazing stops, especially Waipoua Kauri Forest, where we saw enormous trees rising from waterlogged ground. That night, we stayed in a hotel in Thames\u2014we were exhausted after so many hours on the road.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/waiotahi-valley-lodge.html?aid=372777&amp;label=pag-EN-NorthIsland-NZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Waiotahi Valley Lodge<\/strong><\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>505 km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>7h 15 min<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-5-thames\">Day 5: Thames<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We woke up full of energy, excited for one of the most anticipated hikes of our itinerary: the Pinnacles Walk. This trail took us through nature and led to some incredible views. We were lucky\u2014the sun stayed out the whole time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-07.jpg\" alt=\"Energy-filled breakfast before the Pinnacles Walk\" class=\"wp-image-15582\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-07.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-07-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Energy-filled breakfast before the Pinnacles Walk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We camped at the trailhead that night because we were completely wiped out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td>Port Jackson Campsite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>20 km of route<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>30 min <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-6-thames-mt-maunganui\">Day 6: Thames \u2013 Mt Maunganui<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the highlights of our New Zealand motorhome route. Cathedral Cove did not disappoint\u2014we fell in love with it the moment we saw it from a distance. We joined a kayak tour with a local guide, which made the experience even more immersive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After such a wonderful adventure, we drove to Mt Maunganui, where we camped for the night\u2014after enjoying a refreshing swim at the famous Waihi Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"933\" height=\"1400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/autocaravana-ruta-01.jpg\" alt=\"Thea this time under Cathedral Cove\" class=\"wp-image-15585\" style=\"width:auto;height:700px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/autocaravana-ruta-01.jpg 933w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/autocaravana-ruta-01-467x700.jpg 467w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 933px) 100vw, 933px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thea this time under Cathedral Cove<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td>Mount Greens Carpark<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>238 km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>4 h 15 min<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"dia-7-mt-maunganui-national-park-village\">Day 7. Mt Maunganui &#8211; National Park Village<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We got up early for a packed day of activities and were greeted by good weather. First, we visited <strong>Rotorua,<\/strong> where the smell of sulfur surprised us\u2014but the geothermal activity was absolutely fascinating. Then we headed to the Green and Blue Lakes. True to their names, their watercolors were just as described\u2014almost as if they were named on purpose!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-06.jpg\" alt=\"Views over Tauranga from Mt Maunganui\" class=\"wp-image-15583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-06.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-06-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-06-1400x933.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Views over Tauranga from Mt Maunganui<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, we drove to Lake Tikitapu o Tekapo to restock supplies and have a lakeside picnic\u2014so peaceful! We finished the day with a drive to National Park Village, excited for what awaited us the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td>Mangahuia Campsite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>153 km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>2 h 30 min<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-8-national-park-village\">Day 8: National Park Village<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another day entirely dedicated to hiking. This time, none other than the famous <strong>Tongariro <\/strong>Alpine Crossing\u2014a route that took us around 8 hours and left us completely amazed. The volcanoes, the rugged terrain, the lakes, and the constant presence of Mt. Ruapehu in the distance made for a truly unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the trail is one-way, we had to take a shuttle bus back to our campervan.<br><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/guia-nueva-zelanda-tongariro.jpg\" alt=\"Tongariro National park\" class=\"wp-image-15584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/guia-nueva-zelanda-tongariro.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/guia-nueva-zelanda-tongariro-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tongariro National park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This journal entry is being written under the light of the moon and stars, at the same campsite as the night before. Sounds more romantic that way, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td>Mangahuia Campsite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>17 km ruta<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>10 min to start of route<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-9-national-park-village-wellington\">Day 9: National Park Village \u2013 Wellington<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What better way to relax after a long hike than with a long drive? That\u2019s exactly what we thought as we left our campsite near Tongariro National Park and headed toward New Zealand\u2019s capital: <strong>Wellington<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-02.jpg\" alt=\"Wellington\u2019s silver skies in full force\" class=\"wp-image-15586\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-02.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-02-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wellington\u2019s silver skies in full force<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We stopped briefly in Taupo and then in Napier to restock our supplies. Luckily, we arrived in Wellington early enough to explore a few parks near our campsite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td>Paekakariki Holiday Park<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>463 km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>5h 50 min <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-10-wellington-whanganui\">Day 10. Wellington &#8211; Whanganui<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wellington is amazing\u2014and Te Papa Tongarewa museum absolutely won us over. It\u2019s the best museum I\u2019ve ever visited! We learned so much and followed it up with a stroll along Cuba Street. Of course, we ended up buying some clothes and enjoying several delicious coffees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As evening approached, we left the capital and drove to <strong>Whanganui<\/strong>, excited to explore its vast native forests. The highlight of the day was the fascinating Bridge to Nowhere, completely surrounded by untouched nature. We spent the night near the beach, falling asleep to the soothing sound of the waves.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"934\" height=\"1400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/whanganui-04-1.jpg\" alt=\"Bridge to Nowhere\" class=\"wp-image-15587\" style=\"width:auto;height:700px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/whanganui-04-1.jpg 934w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/whanganui-04-1-467x700.jpg 467w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 934px) 100vw, 934px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bridge to Nowhere<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td>Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>194 km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>2 h 30 min<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-11-whanganui-new-plymouth\">Day 11. Whanganui &#8211; New Plymouth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We had two options: wake up early, drive straight to <strong>Mt. Taranaki<\/strong>, and do a few short hikes\u2014or take an extra day, follow a longer trail, and stay overnight in a hut near the mountain. In the end, we chose the shorter option since the weather wasn\u2019t great, and we were running out of time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1400\" height=\"933\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-01.jpg\" alt=\"Thea under the spell of Mt. Taranaki\" class=\"wp-image-15588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-01.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/07\/ruta-norte-nz-01-700x467.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thea under the spell of Mt. Taranaki<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It turned out to be a great decision. We still got to admire the majestic volcano and even had time to enjoy the scenic coastal drive. We spent the night at one of the many free campsites near New Plymouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td>Pukeiti Domain<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>170 km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>2 h 15 min<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-12-new-plymouth-auckland\">Day 12. New Plymouth &#8211; Auckland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our final day on the road in our North Island campervan adventure. Like the day before, we woke up early and began heading north. We were actually in a bit of a rush\u2014we had a tour booked at <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/hobbiton-an-unexpected-visit-in-new-zealand\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"13218\">Hobbiton<\/a><\/strong> for midday. Luckily, with two drivers, we made it just in time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hobbiton did not disappoint. From the tiny houses and charming gardens to Bilbo\u2019s home and the Green Dragon Inn, everything was magical! Of course, being fans of The Lord of the Rings definitely helped.<br><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-imagen-post-H\"><img style=\"aspect-ratio: 700\/466\" height=\"466\" width=\"700\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/marcos-700x466.jpg\" alt=\"Happy in Hobbiton\" class=\"wp-image-1031155\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Happy in Hobbiton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On our way back to Auckland, we squeezed in a visit to the incredible Waitomo Caves\u2014huge, cathedral-like caverns filled with stalactites. We reached our hotel in Auckland by evening, officially marking the end of our campervan journey around the North Island of New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table pais-tabla\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Camping <\/td><td>BK hostel<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kilometers traveled<\/td><td>426 km<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Driving hours<\/td><td>5 h 30 min<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-mapa-de-la-ruta\">Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/1\/embed?mid=185k3lXIb5zm5uOjwzIyXoUnrBkQiEqo&amp;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"100%\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"north-island-motorhome-route-budget\">North Island Motorhome Route Budget <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we&#8217;ve seen, this motorhome route around New Zealand\u2019s North Island lasts approximately 12 days. This is really the minimum amount of time needed to enjoy the trip and be able to say you\u2019ve truly experienced this part of the country. Twelve days in New Zealand may feel like a lot, and they are\u2014but they also come at a cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/skyscanner.pxf.io\/aO9rnN\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/skyscanner.pxf.io\/aO9rnN\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">round-trip flight to Auckland<\/a><\/strong> will likely set you back around \u20ac1,500 per person. Of course, this depends heavily on when you book and your luck. Personally, my flight to New Zealand cost me \u20ac650, involved three stopovers, and took 38 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Food for 12 days will cost around \u20ac200, assuming you cook all your meals in the campervan or at campsite kitchens (the advantage of having a mobile kitchen!). As for accommodation, sleeping in the campervan is very affordable. You can expect to pay about \u20ac10 per night, totaling around \u20ac120. If you stay in hostels or hotels, you\u2019ll need to budget a bit more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for the campervan itself, I\u2019ve written a separate article about <strong>how to rent one<\/strong>, but in general, you can expect to pay around \u20ac40 per day for a van that fits two people\u2014roughly \u20ac500 in total, or \u20ac250 per person. Fuel will cost around \u20ac150 for the entire route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In total, expect to spend around <strong>\u20ac2,200<\/strong>, not including extras like kayaking, skydiving, and other fun activities. hehehe<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"remember\">Remember<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Save money with the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/heymondo-travel-insurance-discount\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3194\">Heymondo Travel Insurance<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get you <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/new-zealand-esim-with-unlimited-data-and-discount\/\">eSIM New Zealand<\/a> <\/strong>card with a discount and unlimited data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don&#8217;t know how many days to spend in New Zealand? Struggling to find the perfect route that connects all the main attractions? Not sure where to spend the night or which city to start from? You&#8217;ll find all of this\u2014and much more\u2014in this motorhome route around the North Island of New Zealand. Stop worrying and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1174,"featured_media":14952,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_breakdance_hide_in_design_set":false,"_breakdance_tags":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[26,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-zealand","category-new-zealand-articles"],"acf":{"enlace_brunei":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/brunei-express-recorrido-de-un-dia-por-bandar-seri-begawan-su-capital","enlace_hong_kong":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/hong-kong-guia-de-viaje","link_india":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/india-travel-guide","enlace_marruecos":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/guia-basica-para-hacer-una-escapada-a-marruecos-marrakech-y-alrededores","enlace_peru":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/peru-guia-viaje","link_tailandia":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/thailand-travel-guide","link_vietnam":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/vietnam-travel-guide","enlace_australia":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/queensland-pacific-coast-way","enlace_bremen":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/bremen-guia-de-viaje","link_alleppey":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/alleppey-travel-guide","link_bikaner":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/bikaner-travel-guide","link_bundi":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/bundi-travel-guide","link_darjeeling":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/darjeeling-travel-guide","link_delhi":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/delhi-travel-guide","link_hampi":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/hampi-travel-guide","link_jaipur":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/jaipur-travel-guide","link_jaisalmer":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/jaisalmer-travel-guide","link_jodhpur":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/jodhpur-travel-guide","link_leh":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/leh-guia-de-viaje","link_mamallapuram":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/mamallapuram-travel-guide","link_pushkar":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/pushkar-travel-guide","link_sikkim":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/sikkim-travel-guide","link_udaipur":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/udaipur-travel-guide","link_varanasi":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/varanasi-travel-guide","link_varkala":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/varkala-travel-guide","link_bali":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/bali-travel-guide","link_hiroshima":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/hiroshima-travel-guide","link_nagasaki":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/nagasaki-travel-guide","link_osaka":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/osaka-travel-guide","link_georgetown":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/georgetown-travel-guide","link_kuala_lumpur":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/kuala-lumpur-travel-guide","link_melaka":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/melaka-travel-guide","enlace_cambridge":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/cambridge-guia-de-viaje","enlace_londres":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/londres-guia-de-viaje","enlace_york":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/york-guia-de-viaje","link_ayutthaya":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/ayutthaya-travel-guide","link_bangkok":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/bangkok-travel-guide","link_chiang_mai":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/chiang-mai-travel-guide","link_chiang_rai":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/chiang-rai-travel-guide","link_kanchanaburi":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/kanchanaburi-travel-guide","link_koh_chang":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-chang-travel-guide","link_koh_lanta":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-lanta-travel-guide","link_koh_larn":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-larn-travel-guide","link_koh_lipe":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-lipe-travel-guide","link_koh_phangan":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-phangan-travel-guide","link_koh_tao":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-tao-travel-guide","link_koh_kood":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-kood-travel-guide","link_koh_phayam":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-phayam-travel-guide","link_pai":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/pai-travel-guide","link_krabi":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/krabi-travel-guide","link_phuket":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/phuket-travel-guide","link_sukhothai":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/sukhothai-travel-guide","link_koh_samui":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-samui-travel-guide","link_koh_phi_phi":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-phi-phi-travel-guide","enlace_koh_yao_yai":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-yao-yai-travel-guide","link_hua_hin":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/hua-hin-travel-guide","link_nong_khai":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/nong-khai-travel-guide","link_lopburi":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/lopburi-travel-guide","link_koh_mak":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-maak-travel-guide","link_koh_surin":"https:\/\/www.conmochila.com\/en\/koh-surin-travel-guide","link_mae_hong_son":"http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