Day Six

Auckland - Dargaville

185 km (116 miles)
Approximately 2.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway/Motorway

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It’s a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.

At the hill village of Titirangi you’ll begin the scenic drive through the Waitakere Ranges to the township of Waitakere. After Kumeu, a wine and farming centre, the road takes you to Helensville, where you can enjoy a soak at the local hot springs. Enjoy amazing harbour and hill views all the way to Wellsford. Further on is Kaiwaka, a town known for its Dutch cheese.

At the base of the Brynderwyn Range you’ll turn towards Maungaturoto, where you’ll find craft and antique shops. To discover the history of the Dargaville area, spend some time at Matakohe’s kauri museum.

The river town of Dargaville is a perfect base for exploring the Kaipara Harbour, which offers fishing, quad biking, schooner trips and bird watching. The west coast beaches in this area form part of the longest driveable beach in New Zealand.

Whangarei - Warkworth - Orewa - Auckland

99 km (62 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

Whangarei is a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you’ll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit Whangarei Falls.

Just beyond Whangarei you can take a left turn to the Marsden Point oil refinery. The visitors’ centre has an interesting display that explains the refining process. Another detour is the loop past Waipu Cove, Langs Beach and Mangawhai Heads – spectacular surf beaches all the way.

If you like Dutch cheese, pause in the township of Kaiwaka. Further south is Wellsford, a rural service town with shops of every kind. From Wellsford you can take a side road to Pakiri – a great beach for surfing and horse treks.

A drive through the Dome Forest leads you into Warkworth, a pretty town on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it’s easy to explore the attractions of the district – surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands.

Whangarei - Warkworth - Orewa - Auckland

27 km (17 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

Warkworth is a pretty town located on the banks of the Mahurangi River. From here it’s easy to explore the many attractions of the district – surf beaches, marine and wildlife sanctuaries, vineyards, golf courses, regional parks and islands.

The drive south takes you through areas of native forest and farmland. You’ll notice a side road pointing to Puhoi, a town originally settled in 1863 by immigrants from Bohemia. Cheese is the local claim to fame – buy some for your next picnic.

Another place of interest is Waiwera, which means ‘hot water’ in Maori. The hot springs are the main attraction in this small seaside village.

A breathtaking view will announce your arrival in Orewa, a town that spreads along the edge of a large, white sand surf beach. You can explore bush trails at the northern end of the town, visit the friendly shopping centre or dive into the waves for a refreshing swim.

Orewa - Auckland

36 km (23 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway

The town of Orewa spreads along the edge of a large, white sand surf beach. You can explore bush trails at the northern end of the town, visit the friendly shopping centre or dive into the waves for a refreshing swim.

On your way south, you’ll find more beaches and a world class golf course if you drive along the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, which forms the southern arm of the bay. You also have the option of a shopping session in Silverdale – a town famous for its factory and outlet stores.

The newly completed motorway will quickly sweep you towards Auckland’s North Shore, peaceful farmland quickly giving way to suburban scenery. Once you’re over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, you’ll find yourself in New Zealand’s largest population centre.

Auckland city is situated between two enormous harbours and dotted with 48 extinct volcanic cones. It’s a place to enjoy marine adventures, wine trails, forest walks and urban sophistication.

Paihia - Whangarei

71 km (44 miles)
Approximately 1 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

The resort town of Paihia makes an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands. Catch a cruise to the outer islands or a ferry to the charming township of Russell. The historic Treaty House at Waitangi marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation.

Near the start of your southward journey is the port of Opua, where cruise ships often call. Drive a little further and you’ll find Kawakawa, a town with a public toilet that simply begs to be seen. The very last building to be designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser, it’s a masterpiece of glass tiles and imagination. Just beyond Kawakawa a side road runs to the glow-worm cave at Waiomio.

A series of small settlements will lead you to Whangarei, a subtropical city on the edge of a beautiful harbour. At the Quayside Town Basin complex you’ll find stylish cafes and restaurants, as well as museums, art galleries and shops. Be sure to visit Whangarei Falls.