RoadAtlas
Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

Northland Pacific Coast Highway

New Zealand

In short: Northland Pacific Coast Highway is a 350 km scenic road trip in New Zealand, typically driven over 3–4 days, best in Dec–Mar. Highlights: Auckland, Warkworth, Whangarei Falls.

Distance
350 km
Duration
3–4 days
Best Season
Dec–Mar
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

From Auckland up the Coromandel Peninsula to the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean and a Maori legend says the spirits of the dead depart for Hawaiki.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
This route is easy in a standard car, but the Cape Reinga end is a long, remote run with limited services, so fuel up in Kerikeri or Kaitaia. Ninety Mile Beach is not a shortcut for ordinary cars; tides, soft sand, and stream crossings make it best left to experienced 4WD drivers.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Auckland — Departure — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
Departure
Auckland
City of Sails on a volcanic field. Sky Tower views, Waiheke Island wine, and the Harbour Bridge arch climb.
Hotels
Warkworth — City — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
City
Warkworth
Last town before Northland proper. The Dome Forest walk nearby reveals kauri trees and a panoramic hilltop view.
Hotels
Kerikeri — City — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
City
Kerikeri
New Zealand's oldest surviving stone building and Mission House sit beside the Kerikeri River basin, a heritage gem.
Hotels
Cape Reinga — Arrival — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
Arrival
Cape Reinga
Northernmost tip of New Zealand, where the Tasman and Pacific collide in a visible swirling line below the lighthouse.
Hotels

Things to Do

Whangarei Falls — Nature — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
Nature
Whangarei Falls
A 26m curtain of water over basalt columns, one of New Zealand's most accessible and photogenic waterfalls.
Bay of Islands — Landmark — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
Landmark
Bay of Islands
144 islands, dolphin cruises, the Hole in the Rock, and the Treaty of Waitangi signed here in 1840.
Ninety Mile Beach — Nature — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
Nature
Ninety Mile Beach
An 88km stretch of driveable surf beach. Toboggan the Te Paki sand dunes and dig for toheroa clams at low tide.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds — Historic Site — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
Historic Site
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, offering cultural insights and guided tours.
Hole in the Rock Cruise — Boat Tour — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
Boat Tour
Hole in the Rock Cruise
Scenic cruise through the Bay of Islands, passing through the famous Hole in the Rock formation.
Rainbow Falls — Nature — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
Nature
Rainbow Falls
Stunning 27-meter waterfall near Kerikeri, accessible via a short walking track.
Russell Museum — Museum — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
Museum
Russell Museum
Museum showcasing the history of Russell and the Bay of Islands, including Maori artifacts.

Where to Eat

The Duke of Marlborough — Seafood — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
Seafood
The Duke of Marlborough
Historic waterfront restaurant in Russell offering fresh seafood and stunning bay views.
Charlotte's Kitchen — Contemporary New Zealand — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
Contemporary New Zealand
Charlotte's Kitchen
Modern eatery in Paihia serving innovative dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
The Gables Restaurant — European — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
European
The Gables Restaurant
Historic restaurant in Russell offering European cuisine in a charming setting.
Marsden Estate Winery & Restaurant — New Zealand — Northland Pacific Coast Highway — New Zealand
New Zealand
Marsden Estate Winery & Restaurant
Winery in Kerikeri with a restaurant serving dishes paired with estate wines.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Northland Pacific Coast Highway drive?

The Northland Pacific Coast Highway covers 350 km from start to finish.

How long does the Northland Pacific Coast Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3–4 days on the Northland Pacific Coast Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Northland Pacific Coast Highway?

The recommended season for the Northland Pacific Coast Highway is Dec–Mar.

Where does the Northland Pacific Coast Highway start and end?

The Northland Pacific Coast Highway runs from Auckland to Cape Reinga.

What are the main stops on the Northland Pacific Coast Highway?

The Northland Pacific Coast Highway passes through Auckland, Warkworth, Whangarei Falls.

Can I drive the Northland Pacific Coast Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Northland Pacific Coast Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Northland Pacific Coast Highway?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Northland Pacific Coast Highway, based on its 350 km length.

Is the Northland Pacific Coast Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Northland Pacific Coast Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Northland Pacific Coast Highway safe to drive?

This route is easy in a standard car, but the Cape Reinga end is a long, remote run with limited services, so fuel up in Kerikeri or Kaitaia. Ninety Mile Beach is not a shortcut for ordinary cars; tides, soft sand, and stream crossings make it best left to experienced 4WD drivers.

What scenic tier is the Northland Pacific Coast Highway?

The Northland Pacific Coast Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.