At the northernmost tip of New Zealand is Northland, where the roads twist along coastlines that change character along the way. With a Hertz rental car, you’ll unlock access to these far-flung stretches of sand, plus the freedom to take an unexpected turn to embrace this region’s hidden beauty. Let’s find out how it’s done!
Takapuna to Tāwharanui
Start your Northland drive on Auckland’s North Shore, where Takapuna Beach sets the tone for the journey ahead. Locals swim before breakfast and stroll along the promenade with coffee in-hand, to the backdrop of Rangitoto. From here, follow the Hibiscus Coast Highway to Tāwharanui Regional Park, a protected peninsula known for its white-sand beaches, walking tracks, and native birdlife. The road winds past Matakana’s wineries and markets, making it a perfect first stop for a seaside picnic or vineyard lunch. 
Mangawhai and Waipu
Mangawhai is a surf town with plenty of personality. The estuary is ideal for paddleboarding or kayaking, while the clifftop walk offers unforgettable views of the turquoise coast. Continue to Waipu Cove, where long stretches of sand and gentle waves make it popular with families. If you time it right, stop by the Waipu markets or one of the small local breweries for an afternoon refreshment before returning to the beach for sunset.
Whangārei Heads
Whangārei Heads offers some of the most underrated beaches in New Zealand. The drive from Whangārei City curves around deep bays and bush-covered hills before reaching Ocean Beach, a wide stretch that feels a world away from the city. Nearby, Smugglers Bay and Urquharts Bay provide sheltered swimming spots and short walking tracks through coastal forest. The Mount Manaia Track is worth the climb; from the summit, the views across Bream Head and the Pacific are among the best in the region. 
Tutukākā Coast
It feels like the Tutukākā Coast has been hiding its beaches from the rest of the country. A couple to seek out in your rental car are Matapouri Bay and Whale Bay, particularly for calm waters. The road through the Tutukākā hills is as beautiful as the beaches themselves, winding through native bush with glimpses of the ocean at every turn. Tutukākā is also the departure point for trips to the Poor Knights Islands, known for its marine life. But even if you stay on land, the coastline here has a rare serenity.
Bay of Islands
Next, the Bay of Islands, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated spots. The road opens into rolling farmland before dropping toward Paihia, Russell, and Kerikeri: towns that combine historical significance with seaside charm. Long, golden beaches stretch between forested headlands, and the sheltered bays are perfect for swimming or sailing. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a short drive from Paihia, offer an insight into New Zealand’s founding history. From there, scenic drives lead to hidden beaches like Matauri Bay, where the Rainbow Warrior memorial overlooks the Pacific. 
Doubtless Bay and the Far North
As you head further north, the beaches become wider and wilder. Doubtless Bay is home to Coopers Beach, Cable Bay, and Taipā—each with soft pink-tinted sand and calm, shallow water. Beyond here lies Ninety Mile Beach, a place of vast horizons and golden dunes. Drive the final stretch to Cape Reinga, where two oceans meet beneath the lighthouse.
Northland in Style, With Hertz
Exploring Northland is about more than getting from one beach to the next — it’s about enjoying the rhythm of the drive, the changing scenery, and the luxury of time. With a Hertz rental car, you can do it all with ease: taking the scenic detours, discovering the little details, and pulling over whenever the view demands it.
