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Overview

See the North Island's best attractions on this 6 day self drive package. Travel from Auckland and take a Hobbiton Movie Set tour in Matamata made famous by the Lord of the Rings movies, see the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and discover the Art Deco town of Napier, before finishing in Wellington.

Itineraries

All itineraries can be amended or combined with other itineraries. Please advise amendments when requesting a quote.

Auckland - Rotorua - Napier - Wellington

Map of 6 Day North Island Discovery Self Drive
View itinerary for day 1
View itinerary for day 2
View itinerary for day 3
View itinerary for day 4
View itinerary for day 5
View itinerary for day 6
Arrive Auckland
Auckland to Rotorua
Rotorua
Rotorua to Napier
Napier to Wellington
Depart Wellington

Day 1

Arrive Auckland

Day 2

Auckland to Rotorua

Travel Time: 4 hrs 15 mins

Distance: 332 kms

Day 3

Rotorua

Day 4

Rotorua to Napier

Travel Time: 3 hrs

Distance: 226 kms

Day 5

Napier to Wellington

Travel Time: 5 hrs

Distance: 354 kms

Day 6

Depart Wellington

On arrival collect your Rental Car. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure. View the city lights tonight from the Auckland Sky Tower.

Overnight Auckland

Travel southeast to the town of Matamata. Experience the real Middle-Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings. Then, drive on to Rotorua, New Zealand's geothermal wonderland, steeped in Maori culture and history.

Option: Visit Tamaki Maori Village for a Hangi & Concert. 

Stay 2 nights Rotorua

A day to explore Rotorua's many attractions such as spotting a kiwi at Rainbow Springs, relaxing at the Polynesian Spas, Maori Culture at Te Puia and Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. You could visit the Agrodome this morning and see a fun, informative sheep show and shearing demonstration before travelling back to town to relax at the Polynesian Spa - Entry to a standard private pool has been included for you.

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.

Option: Take a 2 hour guided walk of this art deco town. 

Stay 1 night Napier

Estimated Driving Time: Distance:

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.

Stay 1 night 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.

Day 1, Arrive Auckland

Arrive Auckland

On arrival collect your Rental Car. The rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure. View the city lights tonight from the Auckland Sky Tower.

Overnight Auckland

Day 2, Auckland to Rotorua

Auckland to Rotorua

Travel Time: 4 hrs 15 mins

Distance: 332 kms

Travel southeast to the town of Matamata. Experience the real Middle-Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings. Then, drive on to Rotorua, New Zealand's geothermal wonderland, steeped in Maori culture and history.

Option: Visit Tamaki Maori Village for a Hangi & Concert. 

Stay 2 nights Rotorua

Day 3, Rotorua

Rotorua

A day to explore Rotorua's many attractions such as spotting a kiwi at Rainbow Springs, relaxing at the Polynesian Spas, Maori Culture at Te Puia and Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. You could visit the Agrodome this morning and see a fun, informative sheep show and shearing demonstration before travelling back to town to relax at the Polynesian Spa - Entry to a standard private pool has been included for you.

Day 4, Rotorua to Napier

Rotorua to Napier

Travel 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.

Option: Take a 2 hour guided walk of this art deco town. 

Stay 1 night Napier

Day 5, Napier to Wellington

Napier to Wellington

Travel Time: 5 hrs

Distance: 354 kms

Estimated Driving Time: Distance:

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.

Stay 1 night Wellington

Day 6, Depart Wellington

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.

Additional Information

Pricing

Cost per person

August 2018 - September 2019

 Twin/Double
Standard 3-3.5 Star Accommodation From AU$1,770* per person

* PLEASE NOTE

Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.

Car Rental

  • Car hire excess fees of up to NZ$3500 + GST applies. This will be imprinted on a credit card upon collecting the vehicle. Excess reduction options are available at an additional cost per day. 
  • Airport/Ferry pick up fee applies in some locations. This must be paid direct in New Zealand. 
  • Car parking fees may apply in some locations.

Payment

  • Deposit: $200 per person within 7 days of booking
  • Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
  • Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking

Cancellation Charges

  • Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking.
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Includes

Includes:

5 nights accommodation

  • 1 Night Auckland
  • 2 Nights Rotorua
  • 1 Night Napier
  • 1 Night Wellington

5 days car hire (C/CDAR Toyota Corolla or Similar)

Hobbiton Movie Set tour

Standard private pool entry at Polynesian Spa

Options

Travel Insurance

If you are going overseas, then travel insurance is a necssity. Compare rates and polices online and get a free travel insurance quote.

Airfares

International flights can be included from Australia for all Australian residents.

Optional Extras

Napier Art Deco Walking Tour

See the best of Napier on this superb Art Deco tour by vintage car. This one hour tour will include all of the major Art Deco highlights including a visit to Hawke's Bay Club, National Tobacco Company Building and an Art Deco Home. A local guide will drive you to all the sights and provide in depth information relating to the famous Art Deco architecture that exists in Napier today. These personal tours are operated with a minimum of one person and maximum of three people per vehicle.

Napier Wine Tour

Take a wine tour without leaving town, your tour begins as you enter the aroma room where a wine host introduces you to the different characteristics of each particular wine.

Tamaki Village Hangi & Concert, Rotorua

Step back in time and learn about The Chronicles of Uitara tale, pre European time in New Zealand. Your night starts by approaching the Maori forest village where you are met by Maori warriors before being welcomed in to the village. The tribe will share ancient ceremonies of Welcome and Farewell as you watch in amazement as they re-enactment their story. Based on a true story, with real characters and actual events you will finish your night with a delicious Hangi feast.

Highlights

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

On beautiful private farmland, you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit film trilogies in a fascinating guided tour. See Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn and other structures & gardens built for the films.

Polynesian Spa

Long regarded as New Zealand's leading internationally acclaimed spa, Polynesian Spa offers deluxe mineral bathing in a native bush environment. Access to a private pool is included for you to enjoy.

Book now, pay later No credit card required

6 Day North Island Discovery Self Drive

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