With only a whisper left for a voice and a frustrating level of exhaustion that still lingered four weeks after my first-ever bout of Covid, I arrived in Auckland with an estimated two hours of sleep under my belt. I was in absolutely no fit state to drive the 200 kilometres to Waitomo, let alone from Auckland to New Plymouth.
After picking up our tiny hire car, I did what any sensible parent running on fumes would do. I made sure the kids had snacks, water, and Wi-Fi, then drove straight to the Auckland Botanic Gardens, hoping to find a quiet corner for a power nap. I reversed into a shady spot, pushed the seat back, closed my eyes and immediately fell asleep.
Sixty minutes later, I woke to a flat battery.
In my foggy state, I’d left the headlights on, and being an older car, there was no polite ding to warn me. Thankfully, New Zealand lives up to its reputation. Two lovely roadside-assist gentlemen jump-started the car with zero judgement. At least none they let me see.
New Zealand North Island road trip, here we come.
Auckland to Waitomo
The drive south was both uneventful and scenic, especially as we neared Waitomo’s rolling farmland. Thanks to our pre-loaded data eSIM, the “are we there yet?” questions were minimal – a modern miracle in family travel.
I couldn’t believe I’d left it this long to finally experience the glowworms. Even better, we were booked with Spellbound Glowworm Tours, a small family-owned operator a little further out from the more well-known (and more crowded) cave tours in Waitomo town.
Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Explorer Tour
After a short drive through picture-perfect farmland, our small group donned helmets and followed our guide into the Mangawhitikau Glowworm Cave. The moment we turned off our lights, the glowworms slowly revealed themselves as our eyes adjusted to the dark. It was like a galaxy flickering awake – pure magic.
After learning a bit about the glowworms, we were then ushered into a small boat with plank seating and soon found ourselves gliding through the darkness in a small boat, guided only by the sound of a waterfall ahead and the glowworm “stars” overhead. It was quite cool inside the cave, but the hot chocolate and biscuits outside helped warm us up.
The second cave, the Cave of the Spirit, offered stalactites, stalagmites, and fossils. A fascinating follow-up, though nothing that rivalled that first glowworm reveal. After a quick van ride back up to the office, our stomachs reminded us it was past dinner time, so we made our way back to Waitomo where the only open dinner option was Tomo Bar & Eatery. Despite the servers being run off their feet, the meals were fantastic.
Where we stayed: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
Ridiculously lush. Exceptionally green. Generous caravan sites and cute cabins. Ours had a queen bed, bunks, a kitchenette and ensuite. It’s exactly what you want after a long travel day. The kids were well catered for with a playground, pool and giant chess set, and the flock of chickens who strolled past in the afternoon absolutely sealed the deal.
Ziplining in Waitomo
The next morning, we eagerly arrived at Waitomo Zipline Tours in anticipation of zipping along ten ziplines, including one stretching 280 metres. After warming up on the smaller lines, we graduated to the big ones. To say this was a highlight experience of the trip is an understatement and the kids would have looped it all day if they were allowed. No wonder the other family ziplining was on their fifth visit in as many years.
Here’s Miss 10 on one of the larger ziplines 👇
Waitomo to New Plymouth
A stop at the Waitomo General Store cafe restored us, and then we hit the road for the next leg: Waitomo to New Plymouth in the Taranaki region. A 2.5-hour drive became 4.5 thanks to stops and late-afternoon traffic, but we eventually pulled up at the Novotel New Plymouth.
Modern rooms, dedicated parking, onsite dining – everything a weary parent could ask for. And once again, the food was amazing. What is it about the cafes and restaurants in the North Island? Are they all exceptional?
Coastal riding, museums and The Hideaway
After demolishing the buffet breakfast (no regrets), we picked up our hired eBikes from King and Queen Hotel Suites and pedalled our way to the famous Coastal Walkway. The ride to the award-winning Te Rewa Rewa Bridge is easy, and on a clear day, the wave-like form of the bridge perfectly frames Mount Taranaki. Except today was not clear. Nevertheless, the ride was still a winner.
After exploring the other direction and a play at Kawaroa Park, we returned the eBikes and made a quick stop at Puke Ariki Museum. Free, hands-on, and full of natural history and Maori culture, it’s a brilliant family stop.
We jumped back in the car and made tracks to The Hideaway, where we discovered one of the best attractions for families in New Plymouth. Here, you can ride a 240m luge, play on a mini golf course modelled on the famous Mount Panorama track at Bathurst and visit a world-class private collection of Holden vehicles. There is also an on-site cafe with a large deck area, but unfortunately, it wasn’t open when we visited, so we had to make tracks earlier to appease the hunger gods.
Back at the hotel, the kids did not fall asleep quickly despite our action-packed day, because sharing a hotel bed is apparently an invitation to whisper and poke each other until late. It’s quite lovely when they get along, so I pretended not to notice.
Gardens, heritage and heading to the mountain
A garden tour of Pukeiti Gardens marked the start of the next day’s activities. I can’t say the kids were impressed, but I certainly was. Set between rainforest and mountain, Pukeiti is one of the most beautiful gardens in New Zealand and our guide was simply lovely. The kids would have enjoyed it more had they been let loose to discover the kids’ treehouses at their own pace on foot rather than go on an organised tour. My bad. Here you’ll find play areas and a treehouse trail for kids, fitness trails, short and longer walks and vibrant seasonal colours. The rhododendrons are spectacular in spring!
The on-site cafe was, again, amazing. What is going on with the food here?
From there, we visited Taranaki Pioneer Village. My expectations were low… and wrong. With four hectares of historic buildings, activity sheets, a mini train and enthusiastic volunteers, it was genuinely fun.
Rain settled in for the afternoon as we drove to Ngati Ruanui Stratford Mountain House, our base close to Mount Taranaki for the next two nights. Our spacious family cabin had separate beds for the kids – bliss – and a window looking straight into a mossy forest. The mountain loomed somewhere behind, but we couldn’t see it due to the weather.
We pulled on raincoats and wandered the short 600m Kamahi Loop Track through the Goblin Forest, and later splurged on dinner at the award-winning Mountain House restaurant. Pricey, but not over-the-top, and most definitely worth it.
The Mountain, Tawhiti Museum and a cosy last night
A brief break in the weather sent us scrambling up to the Stratford Plateau carpark for a closer view of Mount Taranaki. Mount Taranaki is a dramatic, cone-shaped volcano (one of the most symmetrical in the world) that sets the backdrop for the entire New Plymouth and Taranaki region. It’s one of the most photographed peaks in New Zealand… when it decides to come out from behind the clouds.
Culturally, the mountain is deeply significant to local Maori iwi and was granted legal personhood in 2025, recognising it as an ancestor and ensuring it’s protected for future generations.
We walked the short, steep track to the Manganui Gorge suspension bridge – 100 metres long, 50 metres high, and offering jaw-dropping views that lasted all of five minutes before the clouds threatened.
Back down the mountain, pancakes and poached eggs warmed us up before driving to Hawera to visit the acclaimed Tawhiti Museum.
And wow. Just… wow.
Nigel Ogle’s handcrafted figurines and dioramas bring Taranaki’s history to life in astonishing detail. Add the Traders & Whalers boat ride (a theatrical dark-ride through a recreated 1800s whaling village) and the Tawhiti Bush Railway, and it’s easily one of the best museums we’ve ever visited.
Even the cafe was next-level. Cosy, home-style cooked food, and a charming wind-in-the-willows theme.
Our last night at Stratford Mountain House was spent listening to rain on the cabin roof, reading in bed, and once again pretending not to hear the kids whispering when they were meant to be sleeping.
Mount Taranaki to Auckland
The next morning, we made the long drive back to Auckland, arriving in time for our surprisingly fancy stay at the Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel. Mood lighting. Bathrobes. The works. A little extravagant for us, but deeply appreciated after a week of adventuring.
This Auckland to New Plymouth road trip ended up being exactly what I needed – equal parts chaos, glowworm magic, rain-soaked adventures and those tiny travel moments you remember forever. From ziplining to cave exploring to wandering moss-covered forests, the North Island delivered constant surprises and an impressive amount of good food.
If you’re planning your own Auckland to New Plymouth adventure, give yourself time. Stop often. Let the weather do what it wants. And embrace the detours… flat batteries included. Because sometimes the best family memories are made in those unexpected moments between the big-ticket attractions.
Here’s a peek at some of the active adventures on this road trip 👇
With thanks to Venture Taranaki and Waitomo Tourism for hosting our stay in these beautiful regions.
FAQs: Auckland to New Plymouth road trip
The direct drive takes around 4.5-5 hours, depending on traffic. If you’re stopping in Waitomo (highly recommended), allow a full day to enjoy the glowworm caves and local attractions.
Yes! This is a very family-friendly road trip, with short drives between key attractions, kid-approved stops like glowworm caves and ziplines, and plenty of playgrounds, museums and cafes along the way.
Waitomo is the perfect halfway stop. You can visit glowworm caves, go ziplining, stay at a holiday park, and enjoy small-town New Zealand hospitality.
New Plymouth is lovely year-round. Spring sees the rhododendrons in full bloom at Pukeiti Gardens. Summer is best for the Coastal Walkway and outdoor adventures. Autumn is loved for its mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter is known for its clear mountain views on good-weather days. Do keep in mind that Mount Taranaki weather changes quickly, so pack layers regardless of the season.
No. Most attractions, including Stratford Mountain House, the Coastal Walkway, Tawhiti Museum and Pukeiti Gardens are easily accessible in a standard hire car. Some back roads can be narrow or steep, but most are fully sealed.
Absolutely. Spellbound, in particular, is great for families because it’s a smaller, quieter experience with knowledgeable guides, gentle walking, and a peaceful boat ride through the glowworm grotto.
Layers for Mount Taranaki. Raincoats (the weather changes fast). Snacks and water. Comfortable walking shoes. A portable charger or eSIM if relying on phones for entertainment during downtime. Swimwear (many holiday parks have pools or hot tubs).
Yes. New Plymouth has great family-friendly accommodation, museums, restaurants, and the iconic Coastal Walkway. It’s a brilliant home base for 2-3 nights before moving closer to the mountain.
We did it in five days, but it was rushed. Seven or more would be ideal to fully enjoy each area.
Mostly, yes. Glowworm caves, Tawhiti Museum, and Puke Ariki Museum are all-weather activities. The Coastal Walkway and Mount Taranaki trails depend on conditions. Always check the forecast and follow local advice.
Absolutely. From glowworm-lit caves to rugged coastlines, mountain forests, friendly locals and excellent food, this region is full of surprises and makes an unforgettable family holiday.
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