7-day North Island motorhome loop from Auckland - return
A 7-day North Island motorhome loop from Auckland suits families perfectly, blending kid-friendly activities, glow-worms, geothermal fun, and short drives (most under 3 hours/day) with ample campgrounds and space for play.
This loop prioritizes rest stops, free/affordable attractions, and motorhome-friendly roads—total ~900km. Book campgrounds ahead in summer.
Passing through Auckland , for 7 days
Day: - Day 1: Auckland to Waitomo Caves (180km, ~2.5hrs)
Pick up your motorhome in Auckland and head to Waitomo for glowworm boat tours—magical for kids (book Cave Tour Combo, ~$100/adult, $50/child). Camp at Waitomo Caves Holiday Park with playgrounds and pools.
Day: - Day 2: Waitomo via Otorohanga, Hobbiton to Rotorua 147km, ~2.5hrs driving)
Day: - Days 3: Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland and activities (local Rotorua driving)
Short drive to Otorohanga Kiwi House for kiwi viewing. Explore Hobbiton Movie Set (family tickets ~$150), drive to Rotorua Holiday Park.
Day: - Day 4: Rotorua Geothermal Wonderland and activities (local Rotorua driving)
Stay at Rotorua Holiday Park (lake views, jumping pillow). Rotorua for family adventures: Redwoods Treewalk (suspended bridges, $35/adult, $20/child), Polynesian Spa hot pools (kids' pools free with adult), The iconic Luge, ziplines or Sky Swing at the Skyline or the Agrodome sheep show. Stay at again Rotorua Holiday Park.
Day: - Day 5: Taupo Lakeside Relaxation (80km, ~1hr)
Drive to Lake Taupo for Huka Falls (thundering rapids, free walkway) and optional Maori Rock Carvings cruise (~$160/family). Perfect for swimming or pedal boats. Camp at Taupo TOP 10 with mini-golf and heated pools, or at the Lake Taupo Holiday Resort, featuring New Zealand's only swim-up bar and cafe in thermally heated pools, plus hydroslides, a giant movie screen, jumping pillows, mini-golf, pump track & playgrounds.
Day: - Day 6: Taupo to Mt Ruapehu – Tongariro National Park (178km, ~2.15hrs)
Day: - Day 7: Return via Taupo/Auckland (360km, ~4.5hrs)
Morning at Lake Rotopounamu for picnic/swim, then loop back via SH1. Stop at Orakei Korako geysers if time. Drop-off Auckland by evening.