New Zealand

Thermal Wonderland

Return to North Island Self Drive Holidays

7 Day New Zealand North Island Self Drive Tour Auckland to Auckland

Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua - Coromandel - Auckland

This New Zealand North Island Itinerary is a very popular self drive tour combining the volcanic wonders of Rotorua, with scenic Coromandel's beaches and bays.

Total Driving Time about: 13 hrs              Distance about: 850 kms

Itinerary - 7 Day Thermal Wonderland

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.

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Mercure Hotel, Superior - Heritage Hotel or Deluxe - Sebel Suites.

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 Rotorua

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 50 mins                  Distance: 346 kms     

Drive south and follow the Waikato past Hamilton and on to Waitomo, Here discover the mysterious Ruakuri Caves, on a guided tour of the underground passages, with fascinating history, incredible limestone formations and glow-worms. Afterwards it is on to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. 

This evening Tamaki Tours will 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 - Hotel Ibis, Superior - Novotel Lakeside or Deluxe - Kawaha Point Lodge (B&B).

Day 3: Rotorua

Today is a full day to enjoy everything that Rotorua has to offer. Visit the Agrodome Adventure Park and try the Zorb, Bungy and Extreme Free Fall. Te Puia Geothermal Reserve has amazing geothermal activity, gushing geysers, boiling mud pools and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Finish the day relaxing in the Polynesian Spas or treat yourself to skincare and massage therapies.

Option: Spend an extra night in Rotorua allowing for an extra day to enjoy the many activities that are available.

Day 4: Rotorua to The Coromandel

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

The road passes Lake Rotoroa, which is actually a large crater filled with water, before climbing up and over the Mamaku Range. At Paengaroa you can shop here for honey products. Te Puke is a town that has turned its kiwifruit industry into visitor entertainment.  Roadside stalls are an opportunity to buy seasonal fruit, such as oranges, kiwifruit and avocados. The journey to the Coromandel will take you past Katikati, known for its murals.

Follow the Pacific Coast Highway up to Pauanui Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, a region of unspoilt natural beauty, native rain forests and pristine beaches.

Two nights accommodation, Standard - Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge, Superior - Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort (Treehut Chalet) or Deluxe - Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort (Bush Chalet). 

Day 5: Coromandel Peninsula

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 6: The Coromandel to Auckland  

Estimated Driving Time: 4 hrs 30 mins             Distance: 304 kms        

Be sure to stop at historic Coromandel and visit Driving Creek Railway and Potteries. A kew kms south is the delightful water gardens at Rapauru with their beautiful waterfalls and riotous displays (especially in Spring) of orchids, rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas and water lilies. Nearby is the wonderfully eccentric Waiau Waterworks, where everyday objects - buckets, hard hats, saucepans and particularly bicycles - have been crafted into mobile sculptures all of which are driven by water. from thames visit Miranda's hot springs and bird sanctuary before taking the scenic route to Auckland via Clevedon and Kawaka Bay. 

Overnight accommodation, Standard - Mercure Hotel, Superior - Heritage Hotel or Deluxe - Sebel Suites.

Day 7: Depart Auckland

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

Total Driving Time about: 13 hrs           Distance: 850 kms     

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