North Island Magic

Embark on a rental car adventure across New Zealand’s North Island, from the sun-drenched city of Auckland to the vibrant capital of Wellington. Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, where boiling lakes and mud pools await. Immerse yourself in the charming art deco architecture of Napier before venturing into the rugged beauty of Tongariro National Park. Experience the diverse landscapes and cultural gems that await around every bend, making each stop a memorable journey in itself.

Specification: North Island Magic

Country	New Zealand
Duration	9 Days
Group Size	Private Tour
Tour Type	Self Drive Tour
Trip Grading	Moderate

Travel Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival in Rotorua

Upon arrival at the airport, pick up your rental car and drive through fields, forests and lakes until you reach the Rotorua geothermal area. A true natural paradise awaits you here, which offers numerous highlights and activities. A popular en route visit is the Hobbiton movieset in Matamata.

DAY 2

Rotorua

The day is at your free disposal for your own explorations. For example, visit the Wai-o-Tapu thermal area with its bubbling mud pools, sulphur springs and impressive geysers. Furthermore, many hot thermal springs invite you to take a relaxing bath and the landscape itself is ideal for unforgettable hikes and bicycle tours.

DAY 3

Napier

Napier is famous for its Art Deco architecture. Admire Napier’s unique looks during a stroll through town. On your way to Napier you should also stop at the popular Huka Falls and Taupo on the lake of the same name, a true outdoor paradise. Learn more about the lake’s impressive history of origins and get active by hiking, fly-fishing or kayaking.

DAY 4

Napier

A day at leisure in Napier. Explore the Art Deco City on a guided city tour or relax at the beach. There are also many leading wineries in the area of Hawke’s Bay that you can visit. During a tasting session you can enjoy world-class wines such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Shiraz.

DAY 5

Wellington

Drive on the Classic Wine Trail from Napier to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. On your way south you’ll drive through Waipukurau and Waipawa – both have historic buildings to visit. In Dannevirke, a town originally settled by Scandinavians, you can inspect locally made knitwear. The wildlife sanctuary at Mt Bruce is an essential stop. Enjoy the clean, green Wairarapa scenery as you drive south. Carterton is a good place to shop for Paua shell souvenirs, while Greytown has many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture and a quaint museum. After passing the town of Featherston, which has an interesting locomotive museum, you’ll climb up and over the Rimutaka Range – great views in every direction. Once the mountains are behind you, it’s easy driving for the rest of your journey to Wellington.

DAY 6

Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot. Make sure to visit New Zealand’s national museum Te Papa Tongarewa and prepare your taste buds for Wellington’s famous coffee culture and cuisine. To soak in Wellington’s beautiful coastline and panoramic views, head out to the Mount Victoria Lookout or catch the Cable Car for ride up to the lookout and the Botanical Gardens.

DAY 7

Wellington - Tongariro

On the way back north, you will stop at the impressive Tongariro National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here a fascinating and contrasting landscape awaits you with three still active volcanoes, the Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Numerous hiking trails invite you to discover turquoise lakes, flowering meadows and hot springs.

DAY 8

Auckland

Drive past Lake Taupo and through the agricultural areas of King Country and Waikato back to Auckland. After the timber town of Te Kuiti, it’s just a short drive to the Waitomo turn-off. The Waitomo Caves district is famous for its subterranean splendour. Beneath the surface of this limestone region is a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. You can stop here for a tour. Depending on your thirst for adventure, you can take a walking tour and boat ride through the caves, raft through them on a rubber tube (known as blackwater rafting) or abseil down into the darkness.Hamilton city is a great lunch stop, and at the southern end of the main street you’ll discover a wide variety of excellent restaurants and cafes. The Waikato River will accompany you for much of your journey north. As you approach Auckland, you can’t miss the extinct volcanic cones that dot the landscape – there are 48 in all. The city is also set between 3 beautiful harbours, so it’s an ideal base for water-based adventures. Other attractions include the Auckland Museum, the harbour with its many sailing boats and the central Queen Street with many shopping facilities. A detour to one of the surrounding beaches, islands or volcanoes is also worthwhile.

DAY 9

Free in Auckland, Departure

Explore Auckland before heading back home.

What´s included

Excluded

Additional Information

All prices exclude airfares (unless specified), visa fees, travel insurance and any additional personal expenses.

Prices are per person sharing a double room. Single and triple rooms rates are available upon request.

Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative and subject to change based on the season.

Hotels mentioned in the itinerary may change due to availability, but will always be of equivalent or higher category.

Some countries charge additional destination taxes per person or per night that can only be paid directly at the location.

All displayed tour maps are originated from Google Maps and are only indicative. They are not representative of the exact travel routes of the itinerary.

For more details please visit our booking conditions page.

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SKU IJFSPC-ALLCY-50-2 Category New Zealand Tags 9-Days, New Zealand, Private Journey, Self-Drive Tour

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