The Great North Island Kiwi Road Trip

By Fatima

Day 1: Auckland Airport to Wenderholm Regional Park

Our first day in the Star RV Polaris 6 was all about getting organised and easing into our road trip. After picking up the motorhome at 4pm, we knew we had limited daylight left. But we were determined to make the most of it!

Our first stop was Woolworths, a supermarket in Ōrewa, to stock up on food and essentials. With the motorhome’s spacious fridge and ample storage, we loaded up on snacks, fresh produce, and everything we’d need for meals on the road. Having a kitchen on wheels is a game-changer for family travel. No more relying on takeout or overpriced convenience store meals!

Once we were fully stocked, we headed to Wenderholm Regional Park, our home for the night. This stunning spot is a hidden gem, with its beautiful beach and lush walking trails. We took a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, letting the kids explore the sand and splash in the water. It was the perfect way to stretch our legs after a busy afternoon.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we returned to the motorhome to settle in for the evening. The Wenderholm campsite was peaceful and scenic, offering a serene backdrop for our first night on the road. We finished the day by cooking a simple dinner in the motorhome’s kitchen.

Day 2: Wenderholm Regional Park to Ōakura Bay

Our day began with an early morning walk along the Couldrey House Lookout Loop, a scenic trail perfect for the kids. The lush greenery and peaceful surroundings were the ideal way to kickstart our day. After soaking in the views, we headed back to pack up and hit the road.

Our next stop was Whangarei, where we took a break at a local playground. While the kids burned off some energy, I fired up the motorhome’s gas cooker to boil the jug for a much-needed coffee. The compact yet functional kitchen made it easy to whip up some sandwiches, proving once again how convenient the Polaris 6 life can be for families.

From there, we continued our journey to Ōakura Bay. As soon as we arrived, we made a beeline for the beach. The kids couldn’t wait to dive into the water, and we spent the afternoon swimming, enjoying ice creams, and even taking turns on the local rope swing.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Whangaruru Beachfront Camp & Motel, where we spent the night. The sound of the waves and the stunning beachfront views were the perfect way to end an action-packed day.

Day 3: Ōakura Bay to Paihia

Our third day on the road began with a peaceful morning at Ōakura Bay. While the kids and I took a leisurely walk along the bay at low tide, searching for shells and enjoying the crisp morning air, my husband stayed back to tidy up the motorhome and prepare breakfast. By the time we returned, delicious eggs on toast were waiting for us at a picnic bench right in front of the beach!

After a refreshing hot shower, we hit the road and headed to Paihia. The town was buzzing with activity thanks to a cruise ship in port. We took the opportunity to explore the day markets. The kids loved the vibrant stalls, and we picked up a few souvenirs to remember our trip.

Next, we visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a must-see for anyone wanting to learn about New Zealand’s history. Walking through the grounds and sharing the story of the Treaty of Waitangi with the kids was a meaningful experience. It’s one thing to read about history, but standing where it happened brings it to life in a whole new way.

After soaking in the history, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved coffee at the Whare Waka Café. The views of the bay paired with a perfectly brewed flat white made it a moment to savour.

Our day ended at the Waitangi Holiday Park, where we settled in for the night. The location was ideal, just a short walk from Woolworths where we topped up on groceries and, of course, grabbed another round of ice cream to cool off after a sun-filled day.

Back at the Polaris 6, we got cozy for the night. My son and husband took the top bunk, while my daughter and I snuggled up on the bottom bed. The sleeping arrangements worked perfectly, and everyone drifted off to sleep, tired but happy after another unforgettable day.

Day 4: Paihia to Tokerau Beach

Day 4 of our journey began with an early start as we checked out of our campsite to catch the ferry from Paihia to Russell. The process was seamless. Tickets were easy to purchase, and with ferries departing every 20 minutes, we were on board in no time. The weather was perfect, with calm waters and clear skies, making the 20-minute ride a peaceful and scenic experience.

As soon as we arrived in Russell, the kids spotted the iconic tree swing rope on the shore and made a beeline for it. Their laughter and excitement as they swung over the water was contagious, and it was the perfect way to kick off our time in this charming historic town.

We then strolled up the one-way street to The French Coffee House, a quaint spot where we enjoyed delicious coffee and freshly baked scones. The kids had a blast playing in the courtyard, adding a fun and interactive element to our morning.

After exploring Russell, we hopped back on the ferry to Paihia, where our trusty Star RV was waiting for us. From there, we hit the road, heading to our first freedom camping spot at Tokerau Beach.

Arriving at Tokerau Beach felt like stepping into a postcard. The freedom camping spot was serene and picturesque, with the beach just steps away from where we parked. We set up our outdoor chairs and table (a handy addition from Star RV) and cooked a simple pasta dinner under the open sky.

The kids spent the late afternoon building sandcastles and playing on the beach, while we all marvelled at the stunning sunset. As the evening settled in, we took turns showering in the Polaris 6.

While the kids and I cozied up for bed, my husband spent the later hours fishing. His efforts paid off with two snapper, adding an exciting end to our first night of freedom camping.

Day 5: Tokerau Beach to Taupō Bay

Day 5 began with a breathtaking sunrise at Tokerau Beach, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. After soaking in the view, we packed up the Polaris 6 and set off toward Taupō Bay, our next destination.

Not far into the drive, we made a quick stop at Cable Bay. The kids were thrilled to find a playground right by the beach, and they spent some time playing while we enjoyed the stunning coastal views. The beach looked inviting, but the strong swell kept us out of the water. Instead, we soaked up the sunshine and let the kids explore the little estuary, which was teeming with tiny crabs and other sea creatures.

From Cable Bay, we continued our journey, navigating a winding stretch of road that offered spectacular views of the coastline. When we finally arrived at Taupō Bay, it instantly became our favourite spot of the entire trip. The beach was nothing short of magical. With golden sand, crystal-clear water, and dramatic green hills framing the horizon.

We spent the rest of the day walking along the beach, playing in the sand, and simply enjoying the tranquility of this hidden gem. The kids were in their element, running freely and exploring the shoreline, while we took in the peaceful vibes of this stunning location.

In the late afternoon, we checked in at the Taupō Bay Holiday Park, a small and quiet spot that perfectly matched the laid-back atmosphere of the bay. Taupō Bay itself is a tiny, serene town with a relaxed, unhurried pace. Exactly what we needed after a few busy days of exploring.

The evening was all about relaxation. We caught up on some laundry, enjoyed the simplicity of the moment, and indulged in fresh feijoas, a delicious treat that felt like the perfect way to end the day.

Day 6: Taupō Bay to Mangawhai Heads

We started the morning back at Taupō Bay, soaking up every last bit of its magic. The kids played on the beach while we enjoyed the serene views one more time. By midday, it was time to hit the road again for a longer drive to Mangawhai Heads.

Our first stop along the way was Kerikeri. We pulled into the Honey House Café, where we relaxed on the grass with a coffee and a scone. After that, we checked out the historic Stone Store, which was a cool little piece of New Zealand history.

Next, we headed into town so the kids could burn off some energy at the massive playground while I snuck away to do a quick grocery top-up. Always gotta keep the motorhome stocked!

From Kerikeri, we continued south to Mangawhai Heads, where we checked into the Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park. Hands down, this was the best campground of our entire trip! The facilities were fantastic, and being so close to the beach was the cherry on top.

After a big day of travel, we settled into bed, feeling grateful for another amazing day on the road. The Polaris 6 continues to make this trip so comfortable and stress-free; it’s truly our home away from home.

Day 7: Mangawhai Heads to Ōrewa

We started the morning with a bit of a split adventure. My son and husband headed out to the heads for some early morning fishing. They were super excited, but unfortunately, the fish weren’t biting! Instead, they came back with a handful of mussels they’d gathered. My husband decided to give them a try and actually enjoyed them, but the kids? Not so much. They had a little chew, made the funniest faces, and then promptly spat them out. It was hilarious!

Meanwhile, my daughter and I stayed back to clean up the RV, had breakfast, and got everything ready for our next leg of the trip. By mid-morning, we were back on the road. We made a quick stop in Mangawhai town for some sushi and coffee. It’s such a cute little town with a relaxed vibe, perfect for a quick break.

From there, we headed to our final destination for the day: Ōrewa. The weather was absolutely perfect, blue skies, calm waters, and a stunning beach that called our names. We couldn’t resist jumping in for a swim and building yet another round of sandcastles. The kids were in heaven!

The best part of the day? Spending time with family. We have relatives in Ōrewa, so the kids got to play at the beach with their cousins all afternoon. It was so special watching them make memories together.

For dinner, we had a family feast at my Auntie and Uncle’s house, which is just a stone’s throw away from the beach. It was the perfect way to wrap up our trip. Good food, great company, and lots of laughs.

We parked the Polaris 6 in their backyard for the final night of our trip. It felt bittersweet knowing our adventure was coming to an end, but we were so grateful for all the incredible experiences we’d had over the past week.

Day 8: Ōrewa to Auckland

We started the morning with a bittersweet walk into Ōrewa town. We grabbed a coffee, soaked in the last bit of that beachy vibe, and said our goodbyes to family. It’s always hard to leave, but we were so grateful for the time we got to spend together.

After our farewells, we hit the road one last time, driving back to the Star RV drop-off location in Auckland. The process was super smooth and efficient, a big shoutout to the friendly and helpful staff who made everything so easy.

Then came the hardest part: saying goodbye to our trusty Star RV Polaris 6. This motorhome had been our home on wheels for the past week, and it had given us so many amazing memories. From beach days to family dinners, it had been the perfect companion for our adventure.

With one last wave to the Polaris 6 and the team, we headed back to our home in Taupō. The drive gave us time to reflect on everything we’d experienced, the stunning beaches, the laughs, the fishing fails (mussels, anyone?), and the quality family time.

This trip was everything we hoped for and more, and we’re already dreaming about our next adventure.