Pakaraka, New Zealand 4-Day Trip Itinerary
Pakaraka, New Zealand Trip - Jan 4 to Jan 7
Embark on a romantic 4-day escape based in Pakaraka, New Zealand, exploring the best of Northland. This journey will take you from the iconic Cape Reinga to captivating cultural sites, picturesque nature walks, and vibrant local markets, offering ample photography opportunities and a deep immersion in the region's diverse beauty.
Arrival in Northland & Paihia Exploration
Sunday, January 4Drive to Paihia
Enjoy a scenic drive north from Auckland to Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands and a great base for exploring Northland.
Stop for lunch along the way.
The drive typically takes around 3.5-4 hours. Consider stopping at Whangarei Falls or other points of interest.
Check into Hotel
Check into your boutique motel in Paihia and settle in for your 3-night stay.
The Ash Grove Boutique Motel offers an outdoor pool and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Paihia Waterfront Stroll
Take a leisurely walk along the Paihia waterfront, enjoy the coastal views, and explore the local shops and cafes.
Grab an ice cream or a coffee from one of the many local vendors.
Dinner with a View
Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of Paihia's restaurants offering fresh local seafood and beautiful Bay of Islands views.
Cape Reinga Adventure Day Trip
Monday, January 5Drive to Cape Reinga
Embark on a full-day road trip to Cape Reinga, the spiritual northernmost tip of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.
Enjoy the stunning coastal and rural landscapes along the way.
It's a long drive (approx. 4 hours one way from Paihia), so start early. Pack snacks and drinks, as options are limited north of Kaitaia.
Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Walk to the iconic Cape Reinga Lighthouse and witness the dramatic clashing of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean.
Take in the breathtaking panoramic views.
Bring comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for potential wind.
Ninety Mile Beach & Sand Dunes
Experience the vast expanse of Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes and potentially try sandboarding.
Drive along a section of the famous Ninety Mile Beach (only suitable for 4WD vehicles and experienced drivers; consider a local tour if preferred).
Sandboards can often be rented locally. Be extremely cautious if driving on Ninety Mile Beach yourself, or opt for an organized bus tour from Kaitaia or Paihia.
Return Drive to Paihia
Drive back to Paihia after a memorable day exploring the Far North.
Relaxing Dinner
Enjoy a well-deserved dinner in Paihia after your long day of driving and exploring.
Bay of Islands & Cultural Immersion
Tuesday, January 6Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of modern New Zealand.
Explore the Treaty House, Te Whare Rūnanga (Carved Meeting House), and the magnificent Waka Taua (War Canoe).
Allow plenty of time to explore the grounds and watch cultural performances.
Ferry to Russell
Take a short passenger ferry across the harbour from Paihia to Russell, New Zealand's first capital and a charming historic town.
Ferries run frequently throughout the day.
Explore Historic Russell
Wander through the quaint streets of Russell, visit Christ Church (New Zealand's oldest church), explore the Russell Museum, and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere.
Russell has a relaxed pace, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Ferry back to Paihia
Take the scenic ferry ride back to Paihia.
Farewell Dinner in Paihia
Enjoy a final dinner in Paihia, reflecting on your Northland adventures.
Cape Reinga & Journey South
Wednesday, January 7Drive to Cape Reinga
Start early from the Pakaraka/Bay of Islands area and drive north towards Cape Reinga.
Enjoy the scenic rural landscapes of the Northland region.
This drive covers approximately 200-250 km, so allow ample time for stops and photos. Fuel up before heading north as stations become sparse.
Explore Cape Reinga
Visit the iconic Cape Reinga Lighthouse, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.
Walk to the lighthouse for incredible panoramic views and witness the clash of the two seas.
This is a sacred place for Māori, believed to be the departure point for spirits on their journey to the homeland. Respect the cultural significance of the site.
Te Paki Sand Dunes Adventure
Experience sandboarding down the massive Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes.
Rent a sandboard for an exhilarating ride. This is a short drive from Cape Reinga.
Sandboards can be rented from local vendors near the dunes. Wear comfortable clothes and be prepared for sand everywhere!
Lunch in Kaitaia
Drive south to Kaitaia, the main town in the Far North, for a casual lunch.
Enjoy local cafes or eateries before continuing your journey.
Kaitaia offers a range of dining options from cafes to takeaways. It's a good place to refuel and grab any last-minute essentials.
90 Mile Beach Photo Stop
Take a photo stop to admire the vast expanse of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē (90 Mile Beach).
While driving on the beach requires a 4x4 and good local knowledge, there are viewing points accessible to standard vehicles.
Check local conditions before attempting to drive on the beach. Many tour operators offer guided trips if you wish to experience driving on the sand.
Begin Drive South from Northland
Start the drive south from the Far North region, concluding your exploration of Northland.
Depending on your next destination, this could involve driving towards Auckland or a regional airport.
The drive back to Auckland from Kaitaia is approximately 4-5 hours. Plan for dinner stops along the way or at your next destination.
This 4-day itinerary for Pakaraka, New Zealand can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.