NZ North Island | FindPenguins

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Trip start
April 21, 2026
NZ North Island Traveler
Auckland
Apr 20–22 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
Two nights in Auckland before picking up our camper van. Staying in a great location near the train and wharf so travel is easy. Loved the easy relaxed traffic and walks through the CBD. We took a harbour tour to get an overview of the city from Auckland Harbour, a beautiful stretch of water. Very impressed so far with lots of good eats and relaxing spots to rest up. We will return later to drop off the camper.Read more
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NZ North Island Traveler
Bay of Islands
Apr 22–24 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C
We picked up our Jucy van in Auckland and drove 275km north to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. The drive was very scenic with very hilly country, sweeping beaches and rocky headlands. We stopped at Orewa Beach for lunch and supplies.
The little HiAce van struggled with the hills at times but was easy to drive. We used the Campermate app to find the Seaview Campervan Park in Paihia but at $50 a night it was pretty bad.
Next day we drove the short distance to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. We didn't have time to do the tour but enjoyed a coffee and scone instead. Then it was on to a 3 hour tour of the Bay of Plenty and the Hole in the Rock. What a wonderful trip. We had a comfortable boat, good skipper, clear commentary and amazing scenery.
Overnight was at the Waitangi Holiday Park, basic but clean and comfortable at $42.Read more
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NZ North Island Traveler
Whangarei Falls
April 24 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 15 °C
We stopped in on our way south from Bay of Islands. The falls are an impressive sight after recent heavy rains. There is a walk to the bottom but we thought better of it.
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NZ North Island Traveler
Pukekohe
Apr 24–25 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
Overnight stop in the showgrounds for a cheap $35 a night with power and hot showers.
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NZ North Island Traveler
Ngongotaha / Rotorua
Apr 25–27 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
We set up in the Rotorua Family Holiday Park for a couple of days as a base to explore the area.
We went to an evening show at Mitai Maori Village, which showcased Maori Culture. We shared a dinner table with Canadians, a couple of Chinese Americans, an Irishman and a lady from Argentina. It made for an interesting discussion comparing travel experiences. The cultural show was very well done and it was fortunate that we came prepared for cold weather because there was a lot outside. The dinner was amazing, a huge range of buffet offerings, much of which came from a traditional hungi. We ate far too much.
The next day we took a "Duck Tour" of the city and lakes in a 1942 vintage army duck. It was great fun and the girl driving had a great sense of humour. We did a short tour of a few city areas then headed out past the Redwood Forest to hit the water and tour the Blue Lake and Lake Okareka. It was fun but we expect more of a city tour
We lunched at a park near Sulphur Point, the smell of hydrogen sulfide strong at times. Then we drove to Kuirau Park, which had lots of interesting thermal pools and steam vents set in beautiful parklands. Then it was on to Okere Falls on the Kaituna River. This was the site of a hydro power station in the early 1900s. Now it is a Mecca for rafting and we had fun watching large groups crash over the falls and fight the rapids. The water flow was amazing.
All in all, Rotorua has been a highlight. It is over commercialized, like many great attractions, but there are still lots of free sights and attractions.Read more
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NZ North Island Traveler
Turangi/Taupo
Apr 27–28 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
We drove south from Rotorua through Taupo to Turangi. The Lake is huge, and with the magnificent mountians to the south creates some spectacular scenery. The thermal pool walk at Tokaanu was amazing and, unlike some around Rotorua, completely free. Fantastic water fall at Haku Falls on the Waikato River and incredible effect at Aratiatia Rapids when the dam gates open (every 2 hours). So much more to explore in this amazing area.Read more
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NZ North Island Traveler
Waitomo Caves
Apr 28–29 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
An amazing set of three caves. The most famous has a river flowing through it. The roof of the caves is covered in thousands of glow worms, creating a beautiful serene sight as you glide through the waters in complete darkness and utter silence. A wonderful experience.Read more
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NZ North Island Traveler
Auckland
Apr 30–May 1 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
Our second stay on this trip after dropping off the Jucy van. We had fish and chips at the fish market. Well worth a visit. Then we did the Maritime Museum. Very interesting and informative.
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NZ North Island Traveler
Northern Explorer Train
May 2 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
We took the train from Auckland to Wellington, one of the World's great journeys. It had everything scenery wise. A highlight was skirting the the National Park with its snow capped volcanoes.
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NZ North Island Traveler
Wellington
May 2–4 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
A day in Wellington. We rode the cale car up the hill for wonderful views. A stroll along the harbour brought us to the Sunday Market, with great fruit and vegetables. The array of food trucks was the best we've seen anywhere. Highly recommended.Read more
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Trip end
May 4, 2026