If you’re chasing a road trip that blends wild volcanoes, bubbling geothermal pools, and off-the-beaten-path towns, New Zealand’s Adventure Highway (also known as State Highway 4) is calling. This Auckland–Auckland campervan loop lets you dive deep into the Ruapehu region and circle back north via Taupo and Rotorua. Whether you’ve got a week or two, this NZ North Island road trip itinerary is pure freedom on wheels.
Start in Auckland: Pick Up & Hit the Road
Grab your campervan in Auckland, stock up on snacks and point south. Skip the coastal detours, your goal is to reach the Adventure Highway, a scenic inland route linking to the heart of the North Island. Take State Highway 1 to Taumarunui, where the Adventure Highway begins and the fun kicks off.
Taumarunui: Gateway to Adventure
Your first taste of the Adventure Highway is Taumarunui, a riverside town with plenty of outdoor action.
- Paddle the Whanganui River: Rent a canoe for a day trip or multi-day journey through lush native bush.
- Heritage & History: Stroll through the town centre for a mix of M?ori and pioneering history.
- Fuel Up: Grab a coffee and supplies before heading deeper into the volcanic plateau.
Owhango: Quiet Forest Escapes
A small but mighty stop, Owhango is surrounded by pristine native forest.
- Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve: An easy loop walk through beech forest and wetland boardwalks, perfect for stretching your driving legs.
- Local Wildlife: Keep your eyes peeled for rare whio (blue duck) along the Whakapapa River.
National Park Village & Waimarino: Volcano Country
Next up is National Park Village or Waimarino, the launch pad for Tongariro National Park adventures.
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing: A world-famous hike for a reason. Emerald lakes, steam vents and Mars-like landscapes during a 6–7h hike. Definitely worth the early morning and sore legs! Make sure to book your shuttle in advance.
- Mount Ngauruhoe: LOTR fans know it as Mount Doom. Snap a pic or tackle one of the shorter hikes in Waimarino Forest.
- Stay Cheap & Close: Camp at Mangahuia Campsite for budget-friendly wilderness vibes. You’ll get some amazing sunset and sunrise views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Ohakune: The Party & Powder Stop
Ohakune is where alpine charm meets a lively après scene. Small town. Huge energy. It nails the balance of mountain thrills, late-night laughs and chilled mornings with coffee in hand.
- Stay with a View: Mangawhero Campsite ($18/night) serves up unbeatable views of Mount Ruapehu.
- Eat, Drink & Dance: Weekends light up at the iconic Powderkeg Bar and Kings with live music and hearty meals.
- Hot Tubs & Hikes: Soak in the Ohakune Hot Tubs, hike Ruapehu’s summer trails, or ride the chairlift to the top for sweeping vistas. Visiting in winter? Grab skis or a snowboard for the island’s best slopes. Who wouldn’t want to shred down NZ’s biggest volcano?!
Raetihi: Quirky & Creative
A short hop from Ohakune, Raetihi charms with small-town creativity.
- Dinosaur House: Fun and a little weird! Perfect for families or anyone into prehistoric vibes.
- Art & Café Scene: Check out local galleries and grab a strong flat white.
- Do it for the views: Driving back from Raetihi offers amazing views of Mount Ruapehu.
Whanganui National Park & The Bridge to Nowhere
Take a side trip west into Whanganui National Park for a truly remote experience into the New Zealand North Island bush.
- Bridge to Nowhere: Jet-boat or canoe through dense bush to this mysterious concrete bridge stranded deep in the forest. It’s a surreal, must-see stop. You can easily book tours for this in Ohakune or Taumarunui.
Loop Back via Taupo & Rotorua
Make your way back up toward Taupo, the adventure capital of the central plateau.
- Lake Taupo: Kayak to M?ori rock carvings, try skydiving or just soak in the lakeside hot pools.
- Whakaipo Bay Reserve: Great lakeside spot for freedom camping. Save those dollars for a local Taupo beer!
Next, swing through Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal playground.
- Bubbling Mud & Geysers: Watch Pohutu Geyser erupt and wander among steaming vents.
- Take a spa day at Hell’s Gate: Soak in some bubbling mud and geothermal hot springs.
- M?ori Culture: Enjoy a cultural performance and a traditional h?ngi feast.
Finish the loop with a relaxed drive back to Auckland, camera roll bursting with volcanic panoramas and epic memories.
How much time do you need?
You can smash this Adventure Highway loop in 7 days, but stretching it to 10–14 days means more hikes, hot-tub sessions and late-night bar crawls. It’s your trip, so you set the pace. You can find a map of the Adventure Highway and more regional info here.
Why This Route Rocks
- Wild & Wicked: Volcano hikes, hot springs and riverside camping keep the adrenaline flowing.
- Crowd-Free: Stay in smaller towns like Ohakune instead of busy Whakapapa.
- Flex-Friendly: Works for a quick getaway or a full two-week deep dive.
Load the van, blast your favourite playlist and blaze down State Highway 1. In a few hours you’ll trade city traffic for alpine vibes, rolling straight into the Adventure & Volcanic Loop Highway.
Book your North Island adventure now