New Zealand

Northern Explorer

Return to North Island Self Drive Holidays

8 Day Self Drive New Zealand North Island Tour Auckland to Wellington

Auckland - The Coromandel - Rotorua - Napier - Wellington

Travel through the centre of the North Island experiencing New Zealand's natural wonders such as the rain forests of the Coromandel Peninsula, the geothermal region of Rotorua before enjoying the vineyards of Hawkes Bay and the cafes and shopping of Wellington on this New Zealand North Island Packages.

Total Driving Time about: 16 hrs 20 mins             Distance: 1,086 kms

Itinerary - 8 Day Northern Explorer

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

Arrive at Auckland International Airport, where you will be met, before being transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Auckland's many attractions.You could take a walk down to the Viaduct or try shopping on Queens Street.

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Scenic Hotel Auckland, Superior - Rydges Hotel or Deluxe - SkyCity Grand.

Option: Why not arrive a day or two earlier into Auckland allowing more time in the City of Sails to visit Waiheke Island, sail on Auckland Harbour or enjoy the shopping.

Day 2: Auckland to The Coromandel

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 40 mins                  Distance: 306 kms     

Take the scenic route through Clevedon, and around the edge of the Firth of Thames past Kawakawa Bay, Orere Point and Kaiaua. Visit Miranda's hot springs and bird sanctuary. From Thames  the road to Coromandel clings to the edge of the coast. You'll enjoy amazing views and a constant procession of beautiful beaches fringed with Pohutukawa trees. Stop at the delightful water gardens at Rapauru with their beautiful waterfalls and their riotous displays (in spring particularly) of orchids, rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas and water lilies. Nearby is the wonderfully eccentric Waiau Waterworks where idiosyncratic sculptor and inventor, Chris Ogilvie has taken everyday objects - buckets, hard hats, saucepans and particularly bicycles - and crafted them into mobile sculptures all of which are driven by water. At historic Coromandel visit Driving Creek Railway and Potteries.

Whangamata is one of the country's most attractive surf towns. Enjoy the beach, cafes and bush walks. Dive and fishing tours are easily arranged. You can also hire bikes, windsurfers and kayaks. Several charter companies run day trips to Mayor Island, which is actually the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor. 

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Pacific Harbour Lodge Tairua, Superior - Marine Reserved Whangamata, or Deluxe - Puka Park Resort Pauanui.

Day 3: The Coromandel

Spend a day exploring the Coromandel Peninsula with Kiwi Dundee Adventures and learn about the hidden attractions of a region full of history and natures gems. A photographer's dream! Enjoy the flora & fauna of the semi-tropical rainforest with giant ferns, kauri trees and crystal clear streams. Visit the old historic gold caves sparkling with glow-worms and hear the fascinating history of this magic area. Visit stunning coastal scenery with white sand beaches including Hot Water Beach (tide permitting), magnificent cliffs decorated with ancient Pohutukawa trees, old Maori pa sites and offshore islands. Lunch will be a delightful picnic or a visit to our favourite café.

Day 4: The Coromandel to Rotorua

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs 40 mins             Distance: 200 kms                 

The journey to Rotorua will take you past Katikati, known for its murals. Roadside stalls are an opportunity to buy seasonal fruit, such as oranges, kiwifruit and avocados. Te Puke is a town that has turned its kiwifruit industry into visitor entertainment.  Continue onto the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, centre of New Zealand's Maori Culture.

Tonight Tamaki Tours take you back in time to a Maori village. Enjoy a night of truly authentic, traditional culture and entertainment, before feasting on a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way underground.
Two nights accommodation, Standard - Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Superior - Novotel Lakeside, or Deluxe - Kawaha Point Lodge (B&B).  

Day 5: Rotorua

A full day to enjoy everything that Rotorua has to offer taking advantage of the Rotorua Diamond Sightseeing Pass which provides admission into the Agrodome, the Skyline Skyrides, Paradise Valley Springs, Te Puia and finish the day relaxing in the Polynesian Spas.

Day 6: Rotorua to Napier

Estimated Driving Time: 3 hrs             Distance: 226 kms        

Drive south through steam clad Wairakei, to the resort town of Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand's largest lake, which is well stocked with sizeable trout with spectacular views of Tongariro National Park. Skirt Lake Taupo, and cross the Rangitaiki Plains. You might want to stop at the Waiarua Falls lookout, to view the twin waterfalls. At Tarawera you can walk to the hot springs, which are above the Waipunga River, before driving on to the wine producing region of Hawkes Bay and Napier famous for it's art deco architecture. 
Overnight accommodation, Standard - Deco City Motor Lodge, Superior - Scenic Circle Te Pania Hotel, or Deluxe - The County Hotel.

Day 7: Napier to Wellington

Estimated Driving Time: 5 hrs             Distance: 354 kms 

Pass the many vineyards and orchards of the Hawkes Bay. Just south of Masterton is the township of Martinborough, where you can taste and purchase it's exquisite Pinot Noir.  Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot. Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums, theatre and all kinds of shops.

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Bay Plaza Hotel, Superior - Museum Apartments, or Deluxe - Bolton Hotel.

Day 8: Depart Wellington

Today you are free to explore Wellington before catching your flight home. 

Options - Spend additional nights in Wellington at the end of the itinerary to enjoy this fabulous city. Visit the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary or take a Lord of the Rings sightseeing tour.

Total Driving Time about: 16 hrs 20 mins           Distance: 1,086 kms     

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