Explore the wonderfully lush scenery of New Zealand’s North Island on this two-week self drive taking in the magnificent Bay of Islands in Northland and the geothermal and rugged landscapes of Rotorua and Tongariro National Park. Combined with the superb beaches and rainforest of the Coromandel, the richness of Maori culture and the wonderful wineries of Hawke’s Bay this itinerary showcases the very best highlights at a leisurely pace.
Focusing entirely on the North Island this 14-day itinerary incorporates some of the most dramatically scenic areas in the country as well as New Zealand’s soft side.
Starting in Auckland, drive to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands before exploring the wonderful lush landscape of the Coromandel, the geo-thermal heartland of Rotorua and the magnificent scenery of Tongariro National Park. En route to the capital city of Wellington enjoy time in picturesque Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s second largest wine region.
Speak to our team about combining with our 14-day South Island Explorer itinerary for a comprehensive New Zealand experience.
Itinerary
Fly into Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the city for an overnight stay.
Collect your rental car and travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Stretching 350km north from Auckland, Northland is New Zealand’s only sub-tropical region and with its above average sunshine record and glorious beaches, it is popular with locals as well as visitors. In the afternoon you may like to take a boat trip out into the bay, or enjoy some free time to explore and relax.
Spend the day leisurely exploring the area. You might like to enjoy a full day sailing adventure with the opportunity to witness wild dolphins.
Leave Paihia at your leisure today and travel to Orewa, lying on the Hibiscus Coast, just north of the base of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and 40 kms north of central Auckland.
Depart Orewa and drive to the beautiful Coromandel. Separated from Auckland by the broad Firth of Thames, this verdant peninsula comprises a forested backbone of mountains separating the precipitous west coast from the coves and white sand beaches of the east.
Spend the day experiencing the very best this wonderful region has to offer. Renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and lush flora, the Coromandel is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to slow down, relax and unwind.
Drive south, either following the coast road via Tauranga or inland via the interesting towns of Paeroa and Te Aroha, towards the active geo-thermal heartland of Rotorua. This evening make your way to the Mitai Maori Village to join an evening of traditional culture and food. Witness a haka, enjoy a hangi feast and watch out for the glow worms that sparkle in this natural bush setting.
Mitai Maori Hangi and Concert, Rotorua
Discover the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Lake Rotomahana on a self guided walk and boat cruise. You can explore the world’s youngest geothermal valley at your own pace along the beautiful walking trails, woven through a natural geothermal ecosystem. Walks vary in length from 1.5kms – 4.5kms, covering a range of geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. The trail leads you down to the lake, where you can complete the experience with a relaxing 45 minute boat cruise around Lake Rotomahana, the final resting place of the Pink & White Terraces.
Witness the superb and dramatic scenery of North Island’s heartland. En route to Tongariro National Park enjoy a visit to Orakei Korako geothermal area (also known as “The Hidden Valley”), situated on the Waikato River at Lake Ohakuri. Even with two thirds of the original geothermal area covered by an artificial lake, Orakei Korako is still New Zealand’s largest geyser field and one of the country’s must-see natural attractions. Make your way on to Ruapehu, a snow-capped volcano surrounded by desert like lava and ash.
You may like to spend the day hiking the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks and a one-day classic. Alternatively spend time more leisurely and explore the striking volcanic landscapes.
Optional Experiences
Tongariro Full Day Guided Walk, Taupo
Tongariro Sunset Guided Walk, Taupo
Continue your journey down to Napier, New Zealand’s Art Deco capital set in the heart of Hawke’s Bay wine country. With a feast of Art Deco architecture, the city was rebuilt in the early 1930s following a massive earthquake. Subsequent fires destroyed most of its commercial heart. By the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe and nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s – Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco – in such a concentrated area.
Enjoy a full day at leisure today, perhaps take a guided walking tour of this fascinating Art Deco city, visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers on an overland safari or alternatively spend time at leisure exploring the wineries the region is renowned for.
Optional Experiences
Best of The Bay Private Tour, Napier
The Classic Art Deco Walking Tour, Napier
Depart Napier and make your way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city offering an unforgettable urban experience in a stunning natural setting. Set between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, this compact city has great shopping, professional theatre, memorable arts, culture and heritage and great cafes and restaurants all close to untouched nature spots. Central Wellington itself is only 2 kilometres in diameter and you can walk from one side to the other in under 20 minutes.
Optional Experiences
Introducing Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington
Drop off your rental vehicle at the airport depot today and depart.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Car rental throughout
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Private airport transfer on arrival
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Mitai Maori Village experience
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Waimangu Valley self guided walk and boat cruise
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Orakei Korako geothermal valley
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £1966 Excluding Flights
13 Nights
Year Round
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Gary
7
Times visited Australia
5
Times visited New Zealand
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
