New Zealand North Island Self Drive Discovery
Get to know Auckland before exploring the amazing highlights of the North Island on this 10 Day itinerary. From the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, to the excellent vineyards of Martinborough and the ‘coolest’ little Captial City in the world, Wellington. This whistle stop itinerary ticks all the boxes.
Auckland, New Zealand
- Coromandel Peninsula; Famous for the ‘Hot Water Beach’. Dig your own hot pool!
- Rotorua – The capital of Maori Culture. Ask about booking a Hangi!
- Lake Taupo – NZ’s largest lake. An ancient volcanic landscape home to Huka Falls
- Napier – Art Deco Captial of NZ, full of amazing 1930’s architecture
- Martinborough – Wine village and heart of NZ Wine Trail.
- Wellington – Recently named “coolest little capital in the world” by Lonley Planet
- Blenheim – For the ‘foodies’! Fantastic wine and gourmet restaurants
Collect your rental vehicle and depart the ‘City of Sails’ and drive towards the Coromandel Peninsula, which has always been a weekend playground for the residents of Auckland. Discover the most stunning coastline and friendly hospitality. Enjoy your day at leisure with a coastal walk to Cathedral Cove with panoramic clifftop views, relax in a natural hot spa bath by simply digging a hole in the sand at Hot Water Beach or explore the colourful Marine Reserve – the possibilities are endless.
You will depart the Coromandel Peninsula for Tauranga south along the Pacific Coast Highway before arriving in the Bay of Plenty region – known for its mild, sunny climate, some of the country’s most popular beaches and an abundance of orchards, especially kiwifruit, avocado and citrus. Continue south until you reach Rotorua; a region as famous for its geo-thermal activity as it is for its rich and living Maori culture. There is a scent of sulphur in the air, and at nearby geothermal hotspots there are spouting geysers, mud pools bubbling and belching, and warm geothermal pools and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour. Spend the remainder of the day and the next day exploring this special region. Discover the customs of the Maori people at one of the Maori concerts and traditional hangi meals staged daily or visit one of the many spa complexes offering therapeutic treatments and thermal bathing facilities (optional activities).
Depart Rotorua for a short journey through to the Lake Taupo region. Taupo is the main centre of the region and Lake Taupo is one of the North Island’s most popular holiday destinations, both in summer and in winter. The Lake Taupo region has some of the finest examples in New Zealand of untouched, unspoilt, uncrowded country. Access to just about all of it is easy.
Depart Taupo on the Thermal Explorer for the Hawke’s Bay region via the Tarawera Ranges. This road is also known as the Napier-Taupo Road, linking Taupo with Napier. It runs from rugged mountain range to gentle plain, from desert-like pumice lands to a vineyard area and from marginal farmland to well cultivated fields. Basking in a Mediterranean climate, the Hawke’s Bay region is known for its wine, food and lively arts scene. Over 40 vineyards offer visitors a wine tasting and indoor/outdoor dining.
You will depart Napier and continue your journey south through the small country towns of Carterton and Greytown. Historic Greytown is New Zealand’s first inland town and has retained its delightful colonial village character with wooden Victorian buildings. Travel onwards to Martinborough and your accommodation. Known for its hot summers, the region provides a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A host of top-class vineyards in and around Martinborough, famed for its international award-winning Pinot Noir.
Travel over the beautiful Romutaka Hills through Upper and Lower Hutts to Wellington, the Nation’s Capital. This is a compact city nestled between an expansive harbour and bush-clad hills. The downtown area is ideal for walking around, with all shopping, cafes, transport, accommodation and the city’s attractions. Enjoy your last evening in this cool Capital, that offers great food and amazing craft beer.
Travel the scenic route through the beautiful Clevedon Valley and across the Hauraki Plains to the Coromandel Peninsula.
The Coromandel’s dramatic and unspoiled coast, with native Pohutukawa trees on the western side and beautiful white sandy beaches on the east, offers endless opportunities for fishing, diving, boating, surfing and swimming. Spend the next in Coromandel Peninsula at leisure for you to explore the Coromandel Peninsula. Perhaps visit famous Hot Water Beach and picturesque Cathedral Cove.
Journey to the heartland of Maori culture, to the center of New Zealand’s spectacular geothermal wonderland and discover the spirits of Rotorua. Spend the next day at leisure for you to explore Rotorua and surroundings.
Depart Rotorua for a short journey through to the Lake Taupo region. The town of Taupo sits at the edge of Australasia’s largest lake and provides a base for visitors who love to fish for trout, visit Tongariro World Heritage National Park and explore the local geothermal phenomena.
Today you will travel to the Hawke’s Bay region via the Tarawera Ranges. Journey from rugged mountain range to gentle plain, from desert-like pumice lands to a vineyard area and from marginal farmland to well cultivated fields. Basking in a Mediterranean climate, the Hawke’s Bay region is known for its wine, food and lively arts scene. Spend the next day at leisure for you to explore the Hawkes Bay region.
Travel onto the tiny wine village of Martinborough and discover a host of top-class vineyards in and around Martinborough, famed for its international award-winning Pinot Noir. Spend the afternoon out and about on a wine trail of the Martinborough vineyards.
Continue over the beautiful Rimutaka Hills onto Wellington, the nation’s capital. The compact city is nestled between an expansive harbour and bush-clad hills. The downtown area is ideal for walking around, with all shopping, cafes, transport, accommodation and the city’s attractions within close proximity. Perhaps visit the national museum, Te Papa. Next day you will depart Wellington for your onward travel arrangements.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- 9 nights accommodation
- 10 Day Hertz Group D Car Hire
- Breakfast; only where specified on the accommodation grid
- x1 650ml vaccuum insulated powder coated stainless steel ‘Goway’ Drink Bottle with Bamboo Lid (BPA Free)
- x1 Reusable foldup environmentally friendly shopping bag (suitable for carrying wet and dry items)
- Detailed Printed & Digital Day-to-Day itinerary with an integrated app
- 24 hour assistance
- International and domestic flights
- All meals unless otherwise specified
Suitable for ages 18 to 80
This package does not cater for people under 18 years of age. Should you wish to book children, this would become a bespoke itinerary, which we would be happy to create for you, with applicable activities incorporated.