The North Island Jet Boat Trail by Campervan: 8 Days from Auckland

Quick summary: This eight-day campervan loop from Auckland links the North Island’s best jet boat rides with its classic sights. Start with a harbour ride in the city before collecting the campervan or motorhome, race to the Hole in the Rock in the Bay of Islands, ride to boat-only hot pools on Lake Rotoiti and across Lake Rotorua, and finish with the Huka Falls jet boat at Taupō before driving back to Auckland. It’s around 1,100 km, with rides on five days.

At a glance
Length	8 days
Start and finish	Auckland loop
Total driving	Around 1,100 km
Jet boat rides	Auckland harbour, the Hole in the Rock, Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua, Huka Falls
Longest day	Around 290 km, Paihia to south of Auckland
Tours	Featured tours

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Day 1: Auckland harbour (before pickup)

Spend the day in the city before collecting the campervan. Take a harbour jet boat ride from the downtown waterfront, under the Harbour Bridge and past the skyline. See jet boating in Auckland.

Day 2: Auckland to Paihia (around 230 km)

Collect the campervan, stock up and drive north to the Bay of Islands, with stops at Whangārei Falls and Kawakawa. Stay two nights in Paihia.

Day 3: The Bay of Islands (no driving)

Walk from your holiday park to Paihia’s wharf for a jet boat ride to the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett, watching for dolphins on the way. Spend the afternoon at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds or in Russell. See Bay of Islands jet boating.

Day 4: Paihia to south of Auckland (around 290 km)

A long day south, skirting Auckland on the motorway to stay around the Waikato or the Firth of Thames, ready for the run to Rotorua.

Day 5: To Rotorua (around 170 km)

Drive through the Waikato, with an optional stop at the Hobbiton movie set near Matamata, to Rotorua. Spend the evening at a hāngī and cultural performance. Stay two nights. See jet boating in Rotorua.

Day 6: Rotorua and Lake Rotoiti (around 40 km)

In the morning, drive to Lake Rotoiti for a jet boat trip to the boat-only hot pools, with a stop at Okere Falls. In the afternoon, take a lake ride or try jet sprinting in Rotorua, or visit a geothermal park. See Lake Rotoiti.

Day 7: Rotorua to Taupō (around 80 km)

Drive south to Taupō and take the jet boat up the Waikato River to the foot of Huka Falls. Walk to the falls viewing bridge and watch the Aratiatia Rapids release if the timing suits. See the Huka Falls jet boat.

Day 8: Taupō to Auckland (around 280 km)

Drive back north on State Highway 1 to Auckland and return the vehicle.

Can you shorten this RV trail?

Yes. Skip the Bay of Islands to make it a five-day trip: Auckland, Rotorua, Lake Rotoiti and Taupō. Or continue south from Taupō to Wellington on a one-way hire, crossing to the South Island for the South Island jet boat trail.

What should you book ahead?

Jet boat rides, especially in summer and school holidays; holiday parks in Paihia and Rotorua; and the Hobbiton tour if you’re including it. See parking and booking.

For the full route, see our sister site’s Rotorua and Taupō route.

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Frequently Asked Questions