Auckland to Wellington Self Drive Holiday
Travel the North Island of New Zealand on an Auckland to Wellington Self Drive holiday. Starting in the harbour city of Auckland, take the route south through Rotorua and Taupo to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. See the geothermal hot springs and Maori attractions of Rotorua. Catch a rainbow trout in Lake Taupo.
On the way explore the Lord of the Rings attractions with a tour of Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, take a walk in Tongariro National Park, the site of Mt Doom, or take a tour to Weta Caves to see how the Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton movies were made.
For those interested in food & wine, drive across to Napier, and Hawkes Bay, New Zealand’s major wine growing region, producing some of the finest red wine in the country including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Take a vineyard tour, or enjoy a winery lunch whilst cycling one of the wine trails. Following a 1931 earthquake Napier was rebuilt in an Art Deco style. With over 140 unique Art Deco buildings, Napier is a great place to explore on a walking tour.
At Martinborough just north of Wellington, you will be in the Wairarapa wine growing region with its boutique vineyards and olive groves. Drink Pinot Noir wine, whilst enjoying a winery meal. Nearby in the small towns of Featherstone, Carterton and Masterton browse the arts and crafts shops for that special present.
Wellington is the coffee capital of New Zealand, with a café on almost every corner. Ride the historic Wellington cable car to the botanic gardens. Nearby is Zealandia and Karori Wildlife Park, where rare and endangered creatures are kept in a completely fenced off eco-sanctuary in the middle of the city. Spend some time viewing the many unique birds and animals. Take an Ultimate Lord of the Rings tour to Weta Caves, and see how the movies were made.
Amendments
Our Auckland to Wellington self-drive itineraries are fully flexible, so they can be amended or combined with other itineraries. All one way itineraries can also be done in reverse. So if you have any changes or special requests, just put a note in the booking/enquiry form.
Airfares
International flights can be included from Australia for all Australian residents.
