New Zealand’s North Island has no shortage of spectacular sights, and many of these are well known worldwide. But sometimes, it’s those other places you stumble upon that make a trip feel extra special. Luckily, you don’t have to just veer off and hope for the best. With this guide, and a Hertz rental car, you can move from New Zealand’s most famous spots, to somewhere lesser-known, with convenience, comfort and a new understanding of this endlessly explorable part of the world.
The Coromandel’s Secluded Shores
The Coromandel Peninsula is known for its big-ticket beaches like Hot Water Beach, but go beyond and you’ll find even more magic. At New Chums Beach, a stretch of sand only accessible via bush track, you can wander the sand in silence. Whangapoua and Otama beaches nearby are equally striking yet rarely busy. For a taste of the region’s coastal character, head to Coromandel Town and explore the galleries and seafood eateries. 
Whanganui’s River Retreats
Along the Whanganui River is the historic town of Whanganui. Here, taking a river journey by kayak or jetboat reveals valleys and cultural sites hidden deep in the bush, while the town itself is alive with galleries, markets and historic architecture. For walkers, the Whanganui National Park is a vast and tranquil place to spend a day and lose track of time. 
The Forgotten World Highway
State Highway 43, also called the Forgotten World Highway, is a twisting road that joins runs between Taumarunui and Stratford. Along the way, you’ll pass abandoned settlements, rolling valleys, and the famously quirky Republic of Whangamōmona. This tiny town declared itself a republic in 1989 after a boundary dispute. Since then, it has elected a goat and a poodle as presidents, and every two years it celebrates Republic Day with races, competitions, and tongue-in-cheek politics. Stop at the Whangamōmona Hotel to hear stories from locals, grab a meal, and even have your passport stamped with the Republic’s crest. It’s this mix of humour and hospitality that makes the Forgotten World Highway such a memorable detour, with Mount Taranaki often hovering on the horizon.
The Bay of Islands Beyond the Ferries
The Bay of Islands is a must on any North Island trip, but while you’re there it’s worth exploring beyond Paihia. Cruise through Kerikeri’s citrus orchards, and stop by the beaches at Matauri Bay and Mahinepua Bay. Inland, kauri forests and local markets give this region a more grounded, authentic rhythm.
East Cape’s Wild Beauty
East Cape is the eastern-most point of the North Island, and you can certainly feel its far-removed beauty. The coastal road that loops around the cape passes through small Māori communities, each with its own character and welcoming spirit. At the tip, a climb of 800 steps takes you to the East Cape Lighthouse, where you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific. Take a stroll along Tolaga Bay Wharf—the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere—while the beaches at Hicks Bay and Te Araroa provide quiet places to pause. 
Hawke’s Bay Wine Country
Hawke’s Bay is well known for its wine, but its charm is found in the details: family-run cellar doors, art deco streets in Napier, and the inland drives towards Havelock North. A walk up Te Mata Peak gives sweeping views over vineyards and plains, and the farm-to-table dining here is among the best in the North Island.
Finding Your Own Haven
New Zealand’s North Island is full of justifiably famous spots, but it’s still full of surprises. Taking a different turn and moving beyond the expected will reward you with another side to New Zealand, one that you’ll get to know better with a Hertz rental car and some curiosity on your side.
