Golden beaches, geothermal wonders, forest zip-lines and west coast surf culture come together on this easy-to-love North Island route designed for a creative couple on the go. With short driving days, photogenic stops and plenty of time for adventure and recovery, this Apollo campervan itinerary loops from Auckland through the Coromandel, Waikato and Rotorua before returning to the city - based on an 8 day adventure Haz and Loz did in February.  

Expect the longest daylight from late spring through summer, with sea temperatures warmest from December to March. October and April can still be lovely for travel if you are happy with cooler swims. This journey shines year round thanks to hot pools, sheltered harbours and evergreen forests. Think sunrise on the east coast, sunset on the west, and a whole lot of moments in between worth sharing and remembering. 

Northwest Tasmania rewards the slow traveller. Here, the Tarkine shelters Australia’s largest tract of cool temperate rainforest, where myrtle, sassafras and tree ferns carpet the understory and rivers carve their way to a wild, wave-battered coast. The famed Tarkine Drive can be done in a quick 1 to 2 days, but this itinerary stretches the experience into a relaxed week-long loop from Hobart in an Apollo 2WD campervan. You’ll wander mossy forest trails, picnic beside dark tannin-stained lakes, scan the shoreline for shorebirds, and stand at the aptly named Edge of the World as the Southern Ocean thunders at your feet. 

Tasmania’s weather can change quickly. Late spring to early autumn is the sweet spot for hiking and long daylight, with coastal summer days often in the high teens to low 20s Celsius and warmer pockets inland. Autumn is crisp and clear, and spring brings wildflowers and full waterfalls. Winter is beautiful but cold and often rainy, with snow possible at higher elevations; trails can be wet and muddy, and you’ll want warm layers and a solid rain jacket. The Tarkine Drive is mostly sealed and well suited to a 2WD campervan. Fuel and full supplies are best topped up before entering the loop, with Smithton the main service town and a small shop at Arthur River. 

Volcanic lakes, steaming valleys, art deco streets and alpine panoramas set the scene for a week of pure North Island magic. This couples-friendly road trip is based on a road trip Emily and Max (Let’s Escape Together) did in the North Island of New Zealand in March, turning every day into a highlight reel. Pick up your Apollo campervan in Auckland and flow south to Taupō’s geothermal heart, curate a dreamy winery day in Hawke’s Bay, and climb into the sky on Mt Ruapehu’s Sky Waka before looping back to the city. Short drive days, photogenic stops and restorative hot pools make this an effortless, romantic itinerary with just the right balance of adventure and downtime. 

Expect the longest daylight from late spring through summer, with temperatures warmest from December to March. October and April are great for travel if you are happy with cooler weather for hiking, biking and exploring.