North Island New Zealand Road Trip: 7-Day Northern Splendor

Upon arrival, collect your rental vehicle and self drive to your accommodation.  

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here. Overnight: Auckland

Optional Activities

• Te Wao Nui at Auckland Zoo
• Sky Tower
• Orbit Restaurant Sky Tower
• Auckland Harbour Sailing

Journey through the rolling green hills of Waitomo and enjoy a tour through an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Continue to Matamata for a charming tour of unique, character Hobbit homes, gardens and the watering hole just as you see in the movies. Finishing off a visually fulfilling day, continue on to Rotorua, a bubbling and steaming destination like nowhere else. Overnight: Rotorua

Auckland-Waitomo: 195km (approx 2hrs, 30mins)

Waitomo-Matamata: 102km (approx 1hr, 20mins)

Matamata-Rotorua: 67km (approx 55mins)

Included Activities

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
• Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Optional Activities

• Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. Today you'll visit one of the local geothermal attractions before a sensory evening display in the forest. Overnight: Rotorua

Optional Activities

• Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
• Redwoods Nightlights

Optional Activities

• Skyline Gondola Ride & 3 Luge
• National Kiwi Hatchery Tour

There’s a bit of everything on today’s drive past Great Lake Taupo to Napier.    Your scenic journey includes volcanic geography, fresh forest plantations, rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas.  Overnight: Napier

Rotorua - Napier: 220km (approx 2hrs, 55mins)

Optional Activities

• Huka Falls

Following an earthquake in 1931, a rebuild saw Napier completely redesigned in the style of the times.  Buildings were constructed in the Art Deco style with Maori motifs to give the city a unique New Zealand character.  Today, the delightful seaside city of Napier has the extra-ordinary feeling of a time capsule with its seamless line of some of the world's finest 1930's architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of Napier's unique history and architecture. Overnight: Napier

Included Activities

• Art Deco Morning Walk

Optional Activities

• Panoramic Taste of Wine Tour
• Gannet Safaris Overland Tour

Today's travel south may be via the spectacular Manawatu Gorge or through the beautiful Tuki Tuki Valley and Wairarapa Wine region to reach Wellington.

Set between a sparking harbour and rolling green hills the compact city of Wellington is best explored on foot.  Great shopping, arts culture, cafes and restaurants are all within minutes of the city’s untouched nature spots.  We recommend adding a  guided tour of  Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum for a greater insight into New Zealand's rich history and culture. Overnight: Wellington

Napier - Wellington: 320km (approx 4hrs, 20mins)

Optional Activities

• Introducing Te Papa Guided Tour 60min
• Zealandia by Night Tour
• Wellington Car Return Trip

Arrangements conclude today with the return of your rental car to Wellington Airport.

Please Note 

(i) Rental Car "Days" are based on a 24 hour hire.  

Early arrivals into and/or late departures out of New Zealand may necessitate a longer hire period.

(ii) Adding Optional Tours may necessitate an additional nights' stay in that location.