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

The Adventures of SV JAN, ,

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.

The statue of Whiraka perched on a rock at the mouth of the Whakatāne River.

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

In the distance, 30 miles off the coast, we watched White Island volcano spewing steam.

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 beautiful coastline of the Bay of Plenty

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

Lush green hills surround the Waioeka Gorge.

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.  

The old Masonic building, now a trendy hotel.

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.

Map of New Zealand’s Islands. The red color indicates the areas with the greatest risk for earthquakes and tectonic fault ruptures. Napier is located in the red portion of the north island.

The Busy Port of Napier

The Marine Parade walkway parallels the tree-lined boulevard along the waterfront.

Hawkes Bay Vineyards

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

Wellington, the Capital City  

Giorgio in the shape of an I.
A mural at the entry to the tram viaduct going to the gardens.
View of the Harbour from Wellington Gardens.

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

This “rolling ball” is a 1.4 billion year old basalt stone from South Africa, machined in Germany. It is supported by a column of water as high as the museum’s ceiling, exerting 1 bar of pressure and creating a 0.2 mm layer of water between the ball and the supporting base of stone made of Indian Hassan green granite. The total weight is 3 metric tons. The ball spins freely just with the push of a hand!
A replica of the Mars rover “Opportunity.”

Mount Taranaki 

Mount Taranaki peeking out from under a cloudy cloak.

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. 

The promenade along the western shore of the North Island on a cloudy afternoon.
The famous Wind Wand by New Zealand artist Len Lye (commissioned in 1999). It gently bends and waves with the wind. There is an illuminated red light at the top.
The very interesting footbridge at the edge of town—Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.
The Len Lye Centre: a very contemporary art gallery in the heart of New Plymouth.
Lunch at the local pizzeria…managed by a proud Italian!

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.

Giorgio relaxing in the hot pools.
The hot springs of Lake Rotorua.
These waters are almost 100 degrees centigrade!
Rhododendrons in bloom.
Camellias in bloom.

Lake Tāupo

Lake Taupo with a beautifully carved historical Māori arch.

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. 

A real (McDonnell) Douglas DC-3 offers McDonald’s meals…

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.

The Italian Renaissance Garden.
The Indian Char Bagh Garden.
The English Tudor Garden.
An Oriental Garden
The ancient Egyptian Garden.
The Surrealist Garden.
Still surrealist…
Te Parapara, Maori Garden.
A Japanese Garden of contemplation.
Another view of the Japanese Garden.

Auckland

Lively oil painting of Auckland and the Harbour Bridge by our dear Kiwi friend Lee-Ann Rushton.
The ever-vibrant Viaduct Harbour at the Auckland waterfront.
Auckland with its tower and colorful lights.

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!

A Kiwi Christmas! We had the great pleasure of being invited to Lee-Ann (red shirt-the Artist) and Chris (green shirt, next to Giorgio-his economic and financial consultant!) Ruston’s Auckland home for Christmas surrounded by their beautiful family!

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.

The exit of Marsden Cove Marina. In the background the beautiful peaks of the Whangerei Heads are visible.
A peaceful anchorage outside Marsden Cove.

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Published by The Adventures of SV JAN

We are two circumnavigating sailors who are grateful and passionate for the opportunity to visit this fascinating world. Our "home away from home" is a Hallberg Rassy 48 MK II, a fantastic bluewater sailboat.

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