Cape Kidnappers, Vineyards & Hot Springs

📅 Day 1 – Auckland Arrival & Pick-Up
Collect your spacious campervan in Auckland and begin your journey through rolling farmland to Lake Taupō. This beautiful lake is New Zealand’s largest, framed by volcanic peaks and perfect for sunset photos.
🚐 Drive time: ~3.5–4 hrs

📅 Day 2 – Lake Taupō & Geothermal Soaking
Enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the clear blue waters. Later, soak in the Otumuheke Stream hot pools and dine lakeside as the sun goes down.

📅 Day 3 – ⛳ Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary
Tee off at Wairakei, a course ranked in NZ’s top 5. Expect immaculate fairways winding through a predator-free sanctuary with bellbirds and tui in the trees. The clubhouse has an excellent café serving fresh local cuisine, perfect for a relaxed lunch after your round. Overnight stay option: You can park your campervan right at the course and stay the night, waking up to the sound of native birds.
🚐 Drive time: ~15 min

📅 Day 4 – Rotorua’s Geysers & Redwood Trails
Drive to Rotorua to witness bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers. Walk among towering redwoods or learn about Māori traditions at Te Puia.
🚐 Drive time: ~1.5 hrs

📅 Day 5 – Te Mata Peak & Napier
Climb Te Mata Peak for panoramic views over Hawke’s Bay vineyards, then descend to Napier’s art deco streets. Your campsite offers large pitches with space to relax outdoors.
🚐 Drive time: ~3.5 hrs

📅 Day 6 – ⛳ Cape Kidnappers Golf Day
Experience a bucket-list round on dramatic cliffside fairways. Cape Kidnappers is ranked among the top 50 in the world. The clubhouse restaurant is renowned for its gourmet cuisine and fine local wines—an ideal spot to linger after your round.
🚐 Drive time: ~25 min

📅 Day 7 – Drive to Ohope Beach
Head north along scenic coastal highways to Ohope Beach, known for its relaxed vibe and sweeping sands. Your spacious camper site here is perfect for evenings outdoors.
🚐 Drive time: ~4.5 hrs

📅 Day 8 – ⛳ Ohope International Golf Club
Play 18 ocean-view holes at this laid-back links course ranked in NZ’s top 20. The club has a casual restaurant with outdoor seating, making it easy to unwind with lunch or a drink. Overnight stay option: The club allows self-contained campervans to park overnight by arrangement.
🚐 Drive time: minimal

📅 Day 9 – Drive North Toward Bay of Islands
Travel north with optional stops in Whangarei’s waterfalls or craft markets. Overnight at a peaceful campsite surrounded by native bush.
🚐 Drive time: ~4–5 hrs

📅 Day 10 – ⛳ Waitangi Golf Club & Bay of IslandsTee off with spectacular views over the Bay of Islands. This relaxed course is known for its friendly atmosphere and simple café with fresh snacks and drinks. Overnight stay option: Campervans can park overnight in the club’s car park by prior arrangement.
🚐 Drive time: ~1 hr

📅 Day 11 – Return to Auckland
Drive south, stopping for lunch in Matakana wine country or along Orewa’s beaches.
🚐 Drive time: ~3.5–4 hrs

📅 Day 12 – Auckland Drop-Off & Departure
Return your campervan and enjoy a final breakfast in Ponsonby or a stroll up Mt Eden.
🚐 Drive time: minimal

Optional 2 day Extension: Coromandel PeninsulaConsider adding two extra days mid-trip to explore the Coromandel Peninsula. This region is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush native forest, and laid-back coastal towns. You can spend a night at a secluded beachfront campsite that is a personal favourite—tucked behind dunes with incredible sunrise views and direct beach access. It's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy New Zealand’s wild coastline before continuing your golf journey.

Golfing in New Zealand offers incredible scenery—but also remote locations, changeable weather, and variable tee time access. Make sure your van is well-stocked, pre-book green fees where possible (especially at Cape Kidnappers), and travel with flexibility. Many top clubs are welcoming to campervan golfers, but overnight parking is often not allowed on-site—plan ahead for nearby stays.

Depending on your time and passions, other top New Zealand options could be:

🇳🇿 🗻 1. Southern Alps Explorer: Peaks, Lakes & AdventureRoad-trip through Queenstown, Wanaka, and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Hike glaciers, cruise alpine lakes, and unwind in stunning campsites.
Best for: Hiking, photography, mountain scenery

🇳🇿 🍷 2. Hawke’s Bay & Wairarapa Wine Trail: Vineyards & VillagesTour award-winning wineries from Napier to Martinborough. Enjoy gourmet dining, cycle vineyard trails, and relax in boutique camper stops.
Best for: Wine-tasting, slow travel, foodies

🇳🇿 🌊 3. Coromandel Peninsula Escape: Beaches, Forests & Hot SpringsDrive the Coromandel’s winding roads to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Camp beside golden sand and native bush.
Best for: Beach lovers, relaxation, scenic drives

🇳🇿 🏄 4. Northland Surf & Culture Loop: Waves, History & Coastal LifeChase breaks from Piha to Ahipara. Learn about Māori heritage and camp in remote coastal hideaways.
Best for: Surfing, cultural travel, off-grid camping

🇳🇿 🔭 5. Central Plateau Stargazing: Volcanoes, Lakes & Night SkiesBase yourself near Tongariro and Lake Taupō. Hike volcanic trails by day, then enjoy some of New Zealand’s clearest night skies.
Best for: Stargazing, adventure, nature lovers

Click the link in the booking section above and we can send you our hand-picked list of scenic, convenient, and camper-friendly spots that match the itinerary. These locations add comfort, views, and peace of mind to your Icelandic adventure.