WelcometoNewZealand’s North Island, an area of immense natural beauty, known for its volcanic activity, national parks and superb coastline with stunning beaches. TheNorthIslandisNewZealand’s most populous and is home to around 75% of the country’s population, as well as its largest, most cosmopolitan city, Auckland.
Explore Auckland
Begin your trip by picking up your rental car before setting out to explore the city of Auckland.
This is a city of enviable quality that over the past decade has frequently been listed amongst the world’s most livable cities, as rated by The Economist. Visitors to the city are treated to a pristine urban landscape that is offset against the unspoilt countryside, which lies only a stone’s throw from the city’s urban centre.
Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world. This ancient influence, combined with many other diverse cultures, has given the city a unique flavour resulting in a contemporary cuisine that is setting New Zealand apart. When dining out in Auckland, you’ll be spoilt for choice, with a vast array of options from traditional Asian cuisines to more modern Kiwi fare.
When exploring the CBD, make sure to head for the historic High Street, as well as Vulcan Lane. Both are renowned for their charming boutiques, cafes, restaurants and gift shops.
Auckland to Thames
From Auckland, head south on State Highway 1, before transferring onto State Highway 2, just before the town of Pokeno, where you will head for Thames. This route will take you into the heart of New Zealand’s famous countryside.
Thames is the perfect place for outdoor adventures. The town was formed in 1870 when two smaller settlements, Shortland and Grahamstown, merged to support gold mining in the early 1860s. The northern end of Thames, known still as Grahamstown, is home to an array of cafes and shops, in a charming colonial setting, making it a perfect pitstop on this little road trip.
The Coromandel Coastal Walkway
The Coromandel Coastal Walkway is something to behold. It’s a visual feast that takes in some of the most remote northern parts of the Coromandel Peninsula. When in the area, why not choose to relax and allow one of the many local guides and drivers to take you along the effortlessly beautiful Port Jackson, Port Charles and Stony Bay roads.
This will allow you to relax and take in the sights, while also learning about the history of the area. Along here, the road frequently turns to gravel along the rocky shoreline with dramatic views into the surrounding ocean. Remember to always drive safely.
Hahei Beach and Cathedral Cove
From the stunning surrounds of Hahei Beach, you can walk to the famous Cathedral Cove, where you’ll find a naturally formed archway that leads to a beautiful beach. This is an area of immense natural wonder and one that poses the perfect opportunity for photographs.
The only way to reach Cathedral Cove in on foot. From the north end of the Hahei Beach, a one hour walk along a track will lead you along the cliff top, before it then descends to the cove. Here a gigantic arched passes through a rock headland to join two secluded coves.
The colossal cathedral-like arch gives the whole area a magnificent feeling of otherworldliness. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore, which make is the perfect place for a picnic and a swim.
Hot Water Beach
Just a few kilometres south of Hahei Beach lies Hot Water Beach, a place that feels unique to New Zealand. Here, naturally, heated mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth and passes through golden sand to give Hot Water Beach its name.
People flock here to dig their own pools and relax in the thermal waters while the ocean hisses only metres from the sand. Near the rocks at the southern end of the beach, visitors dig their own spa pools in the sand. For the best time to make your own spa pool, dig up to two hours either side of low tide – when the tide is low enough to expose the area of sand with hot water underneath. If you have a spade or shovel, bring it with you. Otherwise, you can rent one from one of the local cafes.
A road trip around New Zealand’s North Island takes in some stunning sights and experiences. Wherever you choose to adventure, you’ll get there in a rental car with Hertz.