49. Our North Island Road Trip, August-October 2024

After flying back to Auckland from the South Island, we rented another car for 2 weeks and headed south. Our goal was a round trip from Auckland to Wellington on the south end of the north island, stopping in interesting places along the way. 

The Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty, named by Captain James Cook in 1769 after noticing the abundant food availability to the villages along the bay’s shores, is on the east coast of the North Island.

We stopped for the night in Whakatāne which is situated at the mouth of the Whakatāne River in the Bay of Plenty. The bronze statue of the legendary Whiraka, who saved Mātaatua, one of the great voyaging canoes by which the Polynesians migrated to New Zealand over 700 years ago, is perched on a rock at the mouth of the river.

White Island Volcano

From the headlands, you can see White Island, or Whakaari, which is New Zealand’s most active volcano, located about 30 miles off the coast.  In 2019, the volcano erupted, resulting in the deaths of 22 tourists who were visiting the island by helicopter. Today, the volcanic alert level remains at 2/6 and the volcano is passively emitting steam and gas. Tourists are no longer permitted to visit the island.

The scenery along the Waioweka River, the Waioeka Gorge and the Scenic Reserve were spectacular as we headed south to Napier. 

Napier

Located on the shores of Hawke’s Bay, Napier is famous for being one of the best-preserved Art Deco towns in the world. The Art Deco architecture of the early 1900s is the predominant style of many of the buildings in the city center, which have been proudly restored and preserved.  

1931 Earthquake in Napier

The city was rebuilt in the Art Deco style after many of its buildings were destroyed in the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake.

The Busy Port of Napier

Hawkes Bay Vineyards

Hawkes Bay is famous for its wonderful red wines. We drove past miles and miles of vineyards.

Wellington, the Capital City  

The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington sits on the southern tip of the North island on the Cook Strait. With 202,000 inhabitants, Wellington is the third largest city after Auckland (1,656,000) and Christchurch (391,000). It is a modern city, with beautiful museums, art galleries, a vibrant waterfront, and lovely gardens. 

Museum of New Zealand

Mount Taranaki 

One of the world’s most picturesque mountains, Mount Taranaki peered out from its cloudy cloak for us, as we traveled past. I had wanted to see this mountain for many months, and we were finally there. In January 2025, the New Zealand parliament granted Taranaki Maunga (Mount Taranaki) the same legal rights as a person, giving the mountain a legal name and protecting its surrounding peaks and land. It is truly a jewel to see, even when partially covered by clouds.

New Plymouth

In the shadow of Mount Taranaki is the town of New Plymouth, on the west coast of the North Island. We enjoyed the coastal walkway, bridges and sculptures. In addition, the Len Lye Centre, a contemporary art gallery, was very enjoyable to see. 

Rotorua

Located on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, the homonymous town is renowned for its geothermal activity and Māori culture. Wonderful hot springs, art galleries, gardens, forest trails, and restaurants make this town a place to visit again and again.

Lake Tāupo

A large crater lake in the center of the North Island, Lake Tāupo is the largest in New Zealand. The town of Tāupo sits on its northeast shore, and offers many activities, from hiking to water sports. 

Hamilton Gardens

The city of Hamilton is located between Auckland and Rotorua. Its top attraction, the Hamilton Gardens, is world-famous and showcases 4,000 years of gardening history in different nations and cultures, by exploring the relationship between people and plants in the 18 different gardens. We thoroughly enjoyed our time walking through this wonderful collection of gardens.

Auckland

When we returned to Auckland, we spent time in the Viaduct Basin, walking among the boats in the Marina, and eating at restaurants. We always enjoy this vibrant atmosphere created by the continuous presence of people walking, eating, and happily chatting. It seems that the Kiwis have a very relaxing and joyful attitude! The World Happiness Index places these wonderful people in second place— after Finland and before Denmark!

A Kiwi Christmas!

Our roadtrip over, we headed north to board SV JAN in Marsden Cove- Our home away from home!

Located about 70 nautical miles up the northeast coast from Auckland, near the town of Whangerei, the lovely and welcoming Marsden Cove has become our “home port” in New Zealand.