9 Day Taster of the North Island Self Drive

Your North Island taster tour begins in Auckland, Aotearoa’s largest city and the vibrant “City of Sails.” With a stunning waterfront, great food and diverse attractions, it’s a perfect first taste of New Zealand life. On arrival, your driver will meet you and take you comfortably to your city accommodation. It’s an easy start after your journey, leaving you free to explore the city at your pace.

Suggested Activity – Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise with Explore

Set sail on the Waitematā Harbour as the sun sets and the city lights begin to sparkle. Enjoy canapés, drinks and a delightful meal while taking in the coastal scenery – a relaxed way to experience Auckland from the water.

Suggested Activity – All Blacks Experience

Step inside the world of New Zealand’s legendary rugby team with this immersive attraction. Interactive zones, haka experiences and game‑day storytelling make it a fun stop for sports fans of all ages.

This morning, collect your rental car and travel south through the fertile Waikato countryside towards Middle‑earth itself. Visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set before continuing on to Rotorua’s geothermal wonders.

Collect Rental Car

Your intermediate‑sized vehicle is ready, perfect for your self‑drive adventure ahead. Choose the model that suits your holiday style and set off with freedom and confidence.

Leaving the city behind, the scenery opens to rolling farmland and dairy country. Stop in quirky towns or scenic spots along the way if you fancy a photo or coffee break.

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Shires Rest

Step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided tour of Hobbiton’s famous film set. Wander Hobbit holes, visit the Green Dragon Inn and hear behind‑the‑scenes stories that bring the films to life.

From Matamata, continue your drive through the rural Waikato and over to Rotorua, where steaming earth and geothermal activity greet you. Rotorua’s unique landscape and Māori heritage make it a fascinating next stop.

Today is all about Māori culture and geothermal magic inside Te Whakarewarewa Valley, one of Rotorua’s most celebrated experiences. You’ll enjoy a guided cultural journey, geysers, conservation centres and a traditional hāngī buffet lunch.

Te Puia: Te Ra Guided Experience, Cultural Experience and Hāngī Lunch

Explore Māori arts at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute and see master carvers, weavers and artisans at work. Take in steaming valleys, the mighty Pōhutu geyser and enjoy an authentic hāngī buffet meal followed by an engaging cultural performance in Te Aaronui a Rua.

Suggested Activity – National Kiwi Hatchery Experience

Meet kiwi birds and learn about efforts to protect this iconic native species. Expert guides offer insight into kiwi husbandry and conservation, with chances to see baby chicks if you’re lucky.

Today’s drive takes you through more volcanic landscapes before heading down towards the Hawke’s Bay coast. Along the way, enjoy iconic sights like Huka Falls and the vast crater lake of Taupō.

Suggested Activity – Wai‑O‑Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai‑O‑Tapu is a kaleidoscope of geothermal wonders with colourful pools, steaming vents and bubbling mud. Walk along well‑defined paths at your pace and stop at the café or gift shop before you continue your journey.

Hawke’s Bay is known for its Mediterranean climate, award‑winning wines and scenic landscapes. Today is yours to explore the vineyards, beaches and natural beauty that make this part of New Zealand so beloved.

Suggested Activity – Hawke’s Bay Half Day Wine Tour with Grape Escape

Spend an afternoon tasting excellent local wines and learning about the region’s unique growing conditions. Stops at four to five vineyards, cheese pairings and beautiful scenery make this a relaxed and memorable outing.

Walking Tracks in and Around Hawke’s Bay

From coastal paths to forest trails, Hawke’s Bay offers a range of walks for all energy levels. Bring water and comfortable shoes — there’s beauty around every bend.

Suggested Activity – Triple Chocolate Dipper Tour with Silky Oak Chocolate Company

Indulge in chocolate tastings, explore the Chocolate “Thru’ the Ages” Museum and enjoy café treats served with liquid chocolate and cream. A bonus chocolate gift makes this experience especially sweet.

Today’s drive leads you from Hawke’s Bay’s gentle vineyards to the historic wine village of Martinborough. Along the way, stop at wildlife centres, heritage towns and boutique cafés.

Suggested Activity – Art Deco Trust Guided Walk

Discover Napier’s rich history of resilience and rebirth with this guided walking tour. Learn how the city rose from the devastation of the 1931 earthquake to become a global showcase for Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical architecture.

Today is dedicated to experiencing the best of Martinborough’s food and wine scene with a private, chauffeur‑driven tour. From boutique vineyards to artisan producers, this is a day of tasting and discovery.

Martinborough in a Day Personal Wine Tour with Martinborough Wine Tours – Includes Lunch

This exclusive wine tour includes tasting fees, a winery lunch with paired wines and visits to artisan producers. Your friendly guide shares regional stories and insights as you meet winemakers, sample exceptional wines and savour local cuisine.

Cross the Remutaka Ranges into Wellington, a compact capital city known for its café culture, creative energy and scenic harbour. Today you’ll have time to explore the city’s highlights on foot.

Suggested Activity – Wellington Half Day Private Tour with Capital Personalized Tour

Get to know Wellington’s best spots with a local guide — from Mt Victoria’s lookout points to coastal views and city landmarks. You’ll enjoy a cable car ride, visit the Weta Cave Museum and see Parliament’s Beehive, all at your own pace.

Suggested Activity – Zealandia By Night Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

Join a night tour at Zealandia, an eco‑sanctuary teeming with rare native wildlife. Explore forest trails after dark and listen for kiwis, bellbirds and more in their natural habitat.

Enjoy a final breakfast and perhaps a last stroll along Wellington’s waterfront or through Cuba Street’s cafés. When you’re ready, head to the airport or onward travel.

Drop off your rental car at the airport depot and prepare for your onward journey. Service teams are there to help make your departure smooth.

Take with you memories of culture, wine, geothermal wonders and coastal beauty from your North Island adventure. In Māori, mā te wā means “see you again soon” — and Aotearoa is sure to welcome you back one day.