Load up your Wicked Camper and hit the road for the most legendary North Island trip you can do without blowing your entire life savings. With your bed in the back, a stove for midnight noodles and no one telling you when to check out, this is freedom on four wheels—pure, unfiltered and a little unhinged (in the best way)
Auckland – The Starting Line
It all begins in Auckland, where the coffee is strong, the roads are busy, and the freedom feels so close. Fuel up, grab your gear and kiss civilization goodbye—your Wicked Camper is now your home, your ride and your ticket to anywhere-but-here.
The Coromandel
The Coromandel region is everything you need after leaving a big city. Only a couple hours drive from Auckland and perfect for your first stop. Hahei is where the sand’s soft, the water’s clear, and the walk to Cathedral Cove is totally worth the sweat. Expect dramatic white cliffs, sea caves, and that famous archway you've definitely seen on Instagram. Arrive early to beat the crowds and claim your spot in paradise.
Just down the road at Hot Water Beach, dig yourself a DIY hot tub right in the sand—no spa fees, no rules. The natural hot springs bubble up under the beach at low tide, so pack a shovel (or steal your mate’s flip-flop). It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and yeah, it gets hot real quick.
Owaharoa Falls
A short trail leads to this dreamy little waterfall hidden in the Karangahake Gorge. It’s the kind of spot you randomly stop at and end up staying for hours. Bring your swim gear or just chill out on the rocks pretending you're in a music video.
Mount Maunganui
Roll into this beach town for some surf, good vibes and the best fish and chips you’ve ever had. Hike “The Mount” at sunrise or sunset and soak in the 360-degree coastal views—then crawl back into your van like a hero. Bonus: epic parking right by the beach.
Hamurana Springs
This one’s a vibe shift—think serene forest walks and ridiculously clear, blue springs. The water here is pure enough to make you question your life choices (and maybe your hangover from Mount Maunganui). It’s a peaceful pause before the next geothermal explosion.
Blue Lake & Lake Tarawera
Two lakes, both stunning, and both ideal for a lazy afternoon with your feet in the water and your brain turned off. Swim, nap, repeat. Park up nearby and let nature rock you to sleep in your Wicked Camper cocoon.
Whakarewarewa M?ori Village – Rotorua
This living village is powered by hot springs and tradition, where the locals cook in the earth and bathe in steam. Take a guided tour or just wander—either way, you'll leave with serious cultural respect and possibly sulphur-scented shoes. Rotorua hits all the senses, and then some.
Wai-O-Tapu & Hot’n’Cold Pool
Wai-O-Tapu is like a rave thrown by a volcano—neon colours, steamy vents, and a smell that screams “geothermal energy.” Then hit Hot’n’Cold, a hidden river where hot spring meets cold stream for the ultimate natural bath. Don’t tell too many people—it’s kind of a local secret.
Taupo
Time your stop at Aratiatia Rapids just right and watch calm waters turn into chaos when the dam releases. Cruise the shores of Lake Taupo or blast your face off at Huka Falls, where water slams through a canyon like it’s late for something. Nature’s version of an adrenaline shot.
Make sure to make a stop at the Craters of the Moon. This place is straight-up sci-fi—think steaming earth, bubbling mud, and walking trails through a landscape that looks halfway to Mars. It’s eerie, awesome, and strangely peaceful. Bonus: it’s cheap as chips to get in.
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Tongariro National Park – Alpine Crossing
If there’s one hike to do in New Zealand, this is it. Cross volcanic craters, pass emerald lakes, and get totally humbled by the raw landscape. Your legs will hurt, your socks will smell, but you’ll feel like an absolute legend. Make sure you book a shuttle that will take you to the start of the hike and pick you up at the end, trust us you don’t want to walk back to town after a 20km hike!
Whanganui River – Remote & Rugged
This river runs through untouched wilderness, and driving here feels like slipping off the grid. Canoe it if you’re game—or just kick back, light a fire (responsibly), and soak up the sound of pure nothing. Zero Wi-Fi, max serenity.
New Plymouth - Mount Taranaki
Wait ‘til sunset and you might spot tiny blue penguins waddling home like drunk toddlers. New Plymouth itself is cool too—surf beaches, killer cafés, and good vibes all round. It’s the kind of place that surprises you in the best way.
Camping Tip: Stay at the Lake Rotomanu Freedom Campsite, it’s free and right by the water—it doesn’t get better than this!
Insta Tip: Park up at Mangorei Road End and do the Pouakai Tarns trail—the place to get that famous reflection shot of Mt. Taranaki. If the weather plays nice, it’s pure magic. If not, hey, the mist adds mystery.
Kiwi Sanctuary – Nighttime Bird Hunt
These awkward, flightless icons only come out at night, so grab a red light and prepare to sneak around in the dark like a wildlife ninja. Some DOC centres and sanctuaries give you a decent shot at spotting one. Bonus points if you don’t trip over a possum.
Glowworm Caves
A galaxy of glowing bugs living on the roof of a cave? Yes please. Float through on a boat and try not to make a wish. It’s weird, wonderful, and way more fun than it has any right to be.
National Kiwi Centre
Didn’t catch a wild kiwi? No shame. This place lets you see them up close without the midnight forest stalking. Plus, they’ve got monster eels and other odd Kiwi creatures you didn’t know existed.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Even if you’re not a Tolkien nerd, you’ll love this place. Round doors, tiny houses, and beer at The Green Dragon—what’s not to like? It's like stepping into a fantasy world where second breakfast is totally acceptable.
Check out this awesome video of one of our Happy Campers, who wrote out this itinerary.
Budget Breakdown
Expect to spend around $2000 per person for two weeks of road-tripping madness. That covers your Wicked Camper, food, fuel, random entrance fees and all the impulsive snack stops your heart desires.
When to Go
For the best weather and most epic views, plan your trip between October and April. That’s when the roads are dry, the waterfalls are flowing and the freedom hits hardest.
This isn’t just a road trip—it’s a rebellion against boredom. With Wicked Campers, the adventure is yours to own. Go where you want, sleep where you want and tell the world you did it your way.
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