Amazing North Island Scenic Destinations Reachable by Car

The North Island may be a little smaller than its southern neighbour, but it’s no less spectacular. With a Dollar rental car, you can hop from coastlines and forest to geothermal valleys, crafting a journey that’s easy to achieve and impossible to forget. Here are some of the best scenic destinations to explore on your next North Island road trip. 

Coromandel Peninsula 

The Coromandel Peninsula is where city life fades into golden sand and green hills. Cathedral Cove is one of the most photographed spots in the country, where a natural arch frames the sea. For something more hands-on, Hot Water Beach lets you dig your own spa pool in the sand when the tide’s right. Inland, the forest trails around the Kauaeranga Valley are perfect for family hikes, with waterfalls and swimming holes tucked among the trees. 

Rotorua 

Rotorua feels like a whole other world, where gushing geysers, bubbling mud pools and relaxing hot springs live. Make the journey more scenic by taking the State Highway 5 from Tirau, where rolling farmland gives way to geothermal valleys. Kuirau Park offers a free way to see boiling pools up close, while nearby Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia provide the full geothermal experience. Rotorua is also one of the best places to experience Māori culture, with cultural performances, hangi feasts, and guided storytelling that bring the landscape’s legends to life. 

Tongariro National Park 

In the heart of the island lies Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest and one of its most awe-inspiring. The trio of volcanoes (Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro) create a skyline unlike anywhere else. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the big draw for hikers, but even short walks near Whakapapa Village reveal emerald lakes, waterfalls and ancient lava flows. In winter, the mountains transform into a snow-covered playground for skiing and snowboarding. The drive here is beautiful year-round, winding through tussock plains and alpine bush. 

Taranaki 

Taranaki is a region that often flies under the radar, but it’s one of the most rewarding for road trippers. The circular Surf Highway 45 follows the coast from New Plymouth, linking surf beaches, cafés and viewpoints with constant glimpses of Mount Taranaki in the distance. The mountain itself is the centrepiece of Egmont National Park, where rainforest trails lead to waterfalls and mossy lookouts. On clear days, the mountain’s near-perfect cone shape reflects in nearby lakes. 

Bay of Islands 

North of Auckland, the Bay of Islands is where New Zealand’s early history meets turquoise seas. Drive north through Whangarei, stopping for a short forest walk to Whangarei Falls, before continuing to Paihia or Russell. From here, you can explore historic sites like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds or take a ferry across the bay for views of the scattered islands. Even without a boat, the drive itself is rewarding , taking you through rolling farmland, pockets of rainforest, and ocean views that seem endless. 

Lake Taupō 

Right in the middle of the island, Lake Taupō sits in a massive volcanic crater formed thousands of years ago. Today, it’s one of New Zealand’s favourite holiday spots, offering a mix of peaceful scenery and rugged adventure. Stop at Huka Falls to see the Waikato River roar through a narrow gorge, or take a lakeside walk from Taupō town. On a clear day, the drive around the lake’s edge offers distant views of the Tongariro peaks, which are even more spectacular at sunset. 

Cape Reinga 

If you’ve got a little more time, head north to Cape Reinga, the spiritual tip of New Zealand where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s a long but beautiful drive, with stops like Ninety Mile Beach and Te Paki Sand Dunes along the way. The lighthouse at the end of the road overlooks the merging currents below, marking one of the most breathtaking views in the country. 

A Road Trip Full of Contrast 

Few places offer as much variety in such a compact space as the North Island. One day you can be driving past beaches and vineyards, the next you’re surrounded by steaming valleys or alpine peaks. With a Dollar rental car, it’s easy to discover both the famous sights and the quiet corners in between.