Self Drive Holidays 21 Day Ultimate North Island Self Drive

Personal meet and greet, and private transfer to your accommodation

On arrival you will be met by one of our team and driven to your Auckland accommodation.

Welcome to Auckland City

Auckland, New Zealand’s self-proclaimed ‘City of Sails’ is the country’s largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or take a drive through one of over 800 regional National Parks to see deserted beaches, waterfalls and native forest.

Stay 2 nights in Auckland

Perched on the edge of a large natural harbour, New Zealand's ‘City of Sails’ offers the best of both worlds. Sandy beaches, native bush and lush rainforests give way to a vibrant urban culture, humming with life.

Americas Cup Yacht Sailing

The America's Cup is the ultimate yachting regatta - and the world's oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy. Usually reserved for billionaires and professional yachties, you now have the opportunity to partake in this elite sport. 

The drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands normally takes around three and a half hours - but plan to take a little longer for there are many things to see along the way. Stretch your legs in Puhoi, New Zealand’s only Bohemian settlement.  Go through Warkworth and Whangarei and see the world famous hundertwasser toilets in Kawakawa. Arriving into Russell via the Opua Ferry, you'll be greeted by lush bush-clad hillsides dropping to golden sandy beaches.

Stay 3 nights Bay of Islands

Commonly known as the ‘winterless north’ New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is made up of over 140 subtropical atolls. Renowned for its untouched beaches, abundant marine life and idyllic climate, this tropical paradise ticks all the boxes.

Today experience the beauty of the North from both air and land. Take a spectacular scenic flight to Cape Reinga over Whangaroa Harbour and the Rangaunu Harbour as well as Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay and Ninety Mile Beach. The tour also includes a visit to the Cape Reinga lighthouse, and the option to slide down giant sand dunes on sleds.

Heading west from the Bay of Islands you leave the Pacific Ocean and soon and arrive into the Hokianga and the wilder seas of the Tasman.
The small townships of Omapere and Opononi have a great seaside feel and the perfect place to stop for an ice cream. The route now heads south and into the Waipoua Forest, home to the massive Kauri trees. Make sure you allow time to take a few short walks that are signposted as you pass through the region. Not to be missed is the 5 minute loop to view the largest of all the trees Tane Mahuta.
Heading back across country the Matakohe Kauri Museum is an award winning museum and has extensive displays of the regions logging, farming and social history. Just a short drive from Warkworth towards the coast is the small township of Matakana and a little further you will find the often deserted beaches of the Tawharanui Marine Reserve.

Stay 1 night Warkworth

Leaving the idyllic Warkworth region, head south on State Highway one towards Auckland. The drive takes you through farming regions, and down through the bustling center of Auckland City. From there it’s across the fertile Hauraki Plains towards the Thames Estuary, a haven for wildlife, in particular, the shorebirds at Miranda. You then cross the Southern Coromandel Ranges through to the wonderful east coast of the peninsula and the harbour town of Tairua. From here, head north to Whenuakite before turning off to head back towards the Pacific Ocean and your final destination, Hahei.

Stay 2 nights Hahei

Hot Water Beach derives its name from the geothermally heated water that continually seeps in through the sands. At low tide you can dig a hole and create your own mineral pool. The beach itself is golden, fine sand and is an ideal place to relax.

Today you’ll be leaving the Coromandel Peninsula and passing through the town of Whangamata. Continue on through the Bay of Plenty and the portside city of Tauranga. Your driving route now takes you along the Pyes Pa Road to Rotorua.

If Lord of the Rings is your thing take a detour along State Highway 29 to Matamata, home to the fictional Tolkien village, Hobbiton. 

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua

Te Puia - Maori Experience and Lunch and Cultural Performance

Begin this unique cultural experience by viewing a traditional performance in the Maree, a Maori meeting house. Listen to beautiful harmonies, see the seductive poi dance and experience the powerful Haka - a fearsome Maori war challenge. You will then choose from a variety of meats and vegetables for your Steambox lunch.

This drive will take you through the thermal region just south of Rotorua. 

Continue on to Taupo and marvel at the lake - a giant crater formed following a volcanic eruption in the year 180 CE.

Leaving Taupo, follow the road as it climbs the rugged Ahimanawa Range before descending back down the Pacific Coast to art deco Napier.

Stay 2 nights Napier

As you leave the rolling countryside of the Hawke's Bay you'll be greeted with some of the country's richest dairy farmland in the Manawatu Gorge. Continue on through the Wairarapa region and stop in the Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre, where you can see some of New Zealand native animals.

As you drive south, a visit to historic Greytown is a must do.  Leaving state highway 2 you will cross over the Ruamahanga River into Martinborough wine country - your destination for the day. 

Stay 2 nights Martinborough

Cape Palliser and the South Coast

Just around 45 minutes south of the town of Martinborough will bring you to one of the most spectacular coastlines in the country. Rocky shores and tiny settlements feature as you head towards the magnificent views from the Cape Palliser lighthouse.

Heading back towards Martinborough a detour to the Lake Ferry Hotel and some local seafood is highly recommended.

Today you will cross the Rimutaka Ranges as you make your way to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Often compared to Melbourne, Wellington is vibrant cultural hub. Home to the nation’s centre of government. Legislation happens in the aptly named ‘Beehive,’ an executive wing attached to the Houses of Parliament.

Stay 2 nights Wellington

The drive from Wellington to Tongariro takes you via the Kapiti Coast and the seaside towns of Plimmerton, Paekakariki and Paraparaumu are worth a short detour.

Skirting Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s three world heritage sites, and clouds permitting you can see the 2,500 metre peak of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu. 

Stay 2 nights Whakapapa Village

Walking tracks in and around Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park 

Head through National Park and across rich rolling farmland to the limestone regions of Waitomo and the famous Waitomo Caves complex.

Stay 1 night Waitomo

Explore more of vibrant Auckland city before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.