Self Drive Holidays 9 Day North Island Food and Wine Self Drive

Welcome to New Zealand's North Island! Collect your car rental on arrival from the Budget rental car office, located at the airport terminal. Make your way to the city and check into your accommodation for tonight. This evening is at your leisure to explore the city of Auckland. You could take a trip up Auckland's Skytower, and afterwards you could do some shopping in Queen Street, or dine in one of the many restaurants and cafes on the Auckland Harbour.

Stay 1 night Auckland

Leaving at 10am on the Fullers Ferry from Auckland, this premier Waiheke Island wine tour gives you the chance to taste exquisite wines from three boutique vineyards, culminating with a delightful lunch and a glass of wine at a beachfront restaurant that's garnered awards for its excellence.

The tour includes visits to three of Waiheke's most esteemed vineyards where you'll have the opportunity to sample an array of their offerings. As you journey across the picturesque landscape, your local guide will provide a running commentary, enlightening you about the island's history, geography, people, and culture.

Following your immersive wine tasting session, unwind and indulge in a flavourful lunch complemented by a glass of Waiheke wine or beer at Three Seven Two, a beachfront restaurant on Onetangi that's been honored with being awarded one Hat in the recent Cuisine Good Food Awards. From here, you'll be guided back to your ferry returning to Auckland at 4:45pm.

Note: During the winter months from Monday to Thursday, lunch is served at the Stonyridge Vineyard.

Travel south to Rotorua, drive through Matamata and take a Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (included). Then it is on to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. 

Two nights accommodation Rotorua

Today you are free to explore some of Rotorua's many attractions. Visit the Agrodome this morning and see a fun, informative sheep show and shearing demonstration. Afterwards you could visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and see the brilliant colours of the Champagne Pool, and Artist's Palette, as well as the once a day eruption of Lady Knox Geyser; before travelling back to town to relax at the Hot Tub Spa. 

Soak in your own cedar hot tub of fresh forest spring water, in the spectacular Whakarewarewa Forest. We are a stone's throw from Rotorua, hidden away in the Waipa Valley, Rotorua, in the heart of New Zealand's mountain biking mecca.

Enjoy a Good George craft beer or cider, or indulge in a wine, freshly brewed Manuka coffee, or premium soda while you soak. You can also grab a quick bite to eat or relax in our “Eddy Out” chill zone by the campfire next to a lovely stream.

Travel across the central plateau via Lake Taupo, stopping at the Huka Falls along the way. Then, continue on to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, New Zealand's Art Deco capital. Spend the morning exploring Napier on an Art Deco Tour in a vintage car. This one hour tour includes all of the major Art Deco highlights and your local guide will provide information on the history and architecture of the city.

Two nights accommodation Napier

Enjoy today in Napier and Hawkes Bay, famous for its wineries and beautiful vineyards. The region is recognised world wide for the quality of it's reds. The wines are typically Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The sunny, warm climate of the Bay also produces some of New Zealand's best Chardonnays. Enjoy a progressive winery dinner and scenic tour through Hawke's Bay. Visit 3 of the region's finest wineries with plenty of opportunity for tastings. You could visit New Zealand's oldest winery, Mission Estate and enjoying the tasting and knowledge of wine makers from other wineries. 

Depart early and set off south to Martinborough and the Wairarapa region, famous for its wineries and beautiful vineyards. Sample some of the premium local wines; before driving the short distance to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character; sprawled over the hills surrounding Wellington Harbour. A vibrant city, filled with cafes, restaurants, museums, theatre and all kinds of shops. 

Stay 2 nights Wellington.

Recently named the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ by Lonely Planet, Wellington is nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills and is renowned for its arts, heritage, culture and native beauty. A visit to Te Papa National Museum, a ride on the famous Cable Car or a visit to Weta Workshop is highly recommended. If you like action-packed adventure activities, Wellington has it all along with beautiful walks around the harbour and surrounding hills.

Today we have included a half-day Craft Brewery tour in Wellington, that commences at either 11am or 4pm at the centrally located Wellington i-SITE Tour Pick Up Zone. This tour offers an exploration of four distinct local craft breweries, each providing tastings. The journey's schedule and featured breweries can fluctuate based on availability during the week, but we remain open to any special requests.

The typical route includes a visit to a renowned downtown Wellington brewery, a discovery of a hidden treasure in Lower Hutt, and a trip to the beer enthusiast's paradise, Brewtown Upper Hutt, home to multiple craft breweries renowned for their exceptional beer.

The tour wraps up at a well-known Wellington brewery where tastings are provided. Guests have the flexibility to explore additional local options in the vicinity or opt for a return drop-off to selected centrally located Wellington hotels or the Wellington i-SITE Tour Pick Up Zone, available between 2:00pm and 8:00pm.

Spend today exploring Wellington until you have to say farewell as you return your rental vehicle to Wellington Airport before boarding your onward flight or return flight home.