Our New Zealand road trip with teenagers continues north from Waihi Beach, taking us through Whangamatā and Auckland before a free afternoon at Auckland Botanic Gardens and a peaceful evening sea dip at Snells Beach.

A sunny day exploring Waihi Beach with two teenage boys brings hidden coves, rock pools, eagle rays, a favourite café, wildlife, go-karts and a rainy swim — proving the best family adventures don't always need a big budget.

From Shweeb racing in Rotorua to a beach stop at Mount Maunganui and an evening at one of our favourite North Island beaches, our New Zealand road trip with two teenage boys continues north to Waihi Beach.

Our final morning in Taupō takes us to the spectacular Aratiatia Rapids before we head towards Rotorua and rediscover Blue Lake, a favourite from 25 years ago.

A day of adventure in Taupō takes us sailing across Lake Taupō to the Māori rock carvings, with a spontaneous cold-water swim, thermal pools and plenty of family memories along the way.

Our first full day in Rotorua with two teenage boys takes us from free geothermal adventures at Kuirau Park to bubbling mud pools, thermal foot baths and the incredible Craters of the Moon.

After eight days driving from Melbourne to Brisbane, we finally crossed the Tasman and arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand. Follow our first day from a chilly 5am arrival in Auckland to Rotorua, New Zealand pies, geothermal pools and our first cosy night on the road.