Northland by Rental Car: Routes, Day Trips and Road Tips from Paihia
Quick summary: With a rental car and a base in Paihia, Northland’s highlights are all within reach. Russell is a short hop on the Opua–Okiato car ferry, Kerikeri’s orchards and Stone Store are around 23 km away, and the sealed road to Cape Reinga runs around 210 km north. A longer loop takes in the Hokianga and the giant kauri of Waipoua Forest. Just avoid driving on beaches and check unsealed side roads against your rental terms.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Russell | Via the Opua–Okiato car ferry, a few minutes across |
| Kerikeri | Around 23 km |
| Cape Reinga | Around 210 km, sealed all the way |
| Hokianga and Waipoua | A day’s loop on the west coast |
| Avoid | Beach driving and some unsealed side roads |
| Tours | Cape Reinga tours |
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What are the best day trips from Paihia by car?
| Trip | Highlights | Tours |
|---|---|---|
| Russell | Historic streets, Flagstaff Hill, waterfront dining | Bay cruises |
| Kerikeri | The Stone Store, Rainbow Falls, food and wine | Food and wine tours |
| Cape Reinga | The lighthouse where two oceans meet | Cape Reinga tours |
| Waipoua Forest | Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri | Kauri forest tours |
How does the car ferry to Russell work?
A vehicle ferry crosses the narrow channel from Opua to Okiato every few minutes, and the short drive on to Russell takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, leave the car in Paihia and take the passenger ferry across. See the Russell car ferry.
Can you drive to Cape Reinga in a day?
Yes, on sealed roads, but it’s a long day at around 210 km each way. A coach tour is a popular alternative because it drives Ninety Mile Beach, which rental cars can’t, and stops at the Te Paki sand dunes. See Kaitāia to Cape Reinga.
What is the twin coast loop?
A circuit of Northland that heads up the east coast to the far north and returns via the Hokianga and the Kauri Coast on the west. It suits five to seven days, with Paihia as the base for the east. See the 7-day twin coast loop.
What should you know about Northland roads?
Most main routes are sealed but winding, with one-lane bridges and logging trucks. Rental agreements commonly exclude beach driving and may restrict unsealed roads, so check your terms before taking side roads to remote beaches. Kauri dieback rules mean some forest tracks are closed, so follow the signs and clean your shoes at stations. See unsealed roads and Ninety Mile Beach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Opua–Okiato vehicle ferry carries cars across in a few minutes.
Yes. The road is sealed all the way, around 210 km from Paihia, but rental cars cannot drive Ninety Mile Beach.
Russell via the car ferry and Kerikeri are easy favourites; Cape Reinga is a longer day.
The main routes are sealed, but some side roads in the far north and Hokianga are gravel.