21 Day Ultimate North Island Scenic Drive

Arrive in Auckland, a vibrant harbour city framed by sparkling waters and lush volcanic landscapes. This lively destination offers a perfect introduction to New Zealand’s blend of urban culture and natural beauty.

Included: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation
Enjoy a seamless arrival with a private transfer directly to your motel. This comfortable service ensures a relaxed start, allowing you to take in your first impressions of the City of Sails.

Suggested Activities: All Blacks Experience
Step into the world of New Zealand rugby and discover what it takes to become an All Black, while reliving iconic moments and legendary players. Interactive exhibits, powerful haka performances, and hands-on skill challenges bring the passion and intensity of the game to life.

Spend the day discovering Auckland’s diverse landscapes, from beaches and islands to vibrant inner-city neighbourhoods. The city offers a mix of outdoor adventure, culture and world-class dining.

Suggested Activities: Auckland City Highlights Tour with Cheeky Kiwi
Discover Auckland’s top sights on a guided tour through vibrant suburbs, scenic waterfronts, and iconic landmarks including Mt Eden and the Auckland Domain. With a knowledgeable local guide and small group setting, this experience offers an engaging and personalised introduction to the city.

Suggested Activities: Ferry to Rangitoto Island with Fullers
Cruise across the Waitematā Harbour to Rangitoto Island, a striking volcanic landmark in the Hauraki Gulf with panoramic views back towards Auckland. Once ashore, explore scenic walking trails or hike to the summit for incredible views over the harbour and surrounding islands.

Included: Collect Rental Car
Pick up your rental car and enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace. This flexibility allows you to explore both iconic attractions and hidden gems across the North Island.

Travel north through scenic countryside and coastal regions toward the Bay of Islands. This journey introduces you to Northland’s relaxed atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.

Included: Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour and Cultural Performance
Explore one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Māori and the British Crown. Discover powerful stories through guided tours, interactive museums, and a traditional cultural performance featuring waiata, poi, and haka.

Discover the Bay of Islands, a subtropical region known for its pristine beaches, rich marine life, and over 140 scenic islands. Enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure, from coastal walks and wildlife encounters to cultural experiences in historic towns like Russell and Waitangi.

Included: Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers
Cruise through the Bay of Islands to the iconic Hole in the Rock, taking in coastal scenery and historic landmarks along the way. Keep watch for dolphins and marine life, with the chance to pass through the rock and relax on a stop at Urupukapuka Island.

Suggested Activities: Russell Mini Tour with Fullers GreatSights
Explore the historic seaside town of Russell on a guided tour, visiting key landmarks such as Christ Church and Pompallier Mission. Enjoy panoramic views from Flagstaff Hill while learning about the area’s fascinating colonial past from a knowledgeable local guide.

Discover New Zealand’s Far North, a region of golden beaches, native forests, and rich cultural heritage. Visit Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, and explore iconic spots like Ninety Mile Beach and Doubtless Bay.

Suggested Activities: Cape Reinga Scenic Flight and Guided Tour with Salt Air
Take in breathtaking aerial views of the Far North, including Ninety Mile Beach and the contrasting coastlines. Land at Cape Reinga for a guided tour to the lighthouse and sacred sites, combining scenic flight with immersive exploration.

Travel west to the Hokianga Harbour before heading south through Waipoua Forest, home to towering ancient kauri trees including the iconic Tāne Mahuta. Continue through rural landscapes to Matakana, where coastal reserves and quiet beaches offer a peaceful end to the journey.

Suggested Activities: Ngāwhā Springs
Relax in naturally heated mineral pools known for their restorative and therapeutic properties. This unique experience offers a chance to unwind while connecting with the cultural and natural heritage of Northland.

Included: Manea Footprints of Kupe Guided Tour
Step into the cultural heart of Te Hokianga-nui-a-Kupe and follow the journey of the legendary Māori explorer Kupe. Experience a traditional pōwhiri welcome and explore a contemporary cultural centre that brings Aotearoa’s rich history to life through stories, carvings, and artefacts.

Suggested Activities: Tāne Mahuta Walking Track
Visit Tāne Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest living kauri tree, standing tall in the Waipoua Forest for over 2,000 years. A short forest walk leads to a viewing platform where you can admire this powerful and culturally significant natural landmark.

Journey south through Auckland and across the Waikato region, passing fertile plains and coastal estuaries rich in birdlife. Continue through the Coromandel Ranges to reach Tairua, a relaxed coastal town surrounded by beaches and forested hills.

Suggested Activities: Driving Creek Railway & Potteries – EyeFull Tower Tour
Ride a unique mountain railway through regenerating native forest, crossing viaducts, tunnels, and spirals on the way to a scenic summit. Along the journey, learn about the area’s creative heritage and visit the working pottery studio.

Travel a short distance to Hot Water Beach, where natural geothermal springs heat the sand beneath your feet. At low tide, dig your own thermal pool and relax on this unique golden beach surrounded by coastal scenery.

Included: Coves, Caves and Coastline Cruise from Whitianga
Cruise along a stunning volcanic coastline, exploring sea caves, blowholes, and iconic spots like Cathedral Cove. Enjoy opportunities to spot marine life or snorkel in clear waters while taking in the beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Travel south through coastal and rural landscapes, passing surf beaches and historic towns on your way inland. Arrive in Matamata, where rolling farmland sets the scene for a famous film location experience.

Included: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Step into the world of Middle-earth with a guided tour of the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set. Explore Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and beautifully crafted film locations while learning behind-the-scenes stories.

Matamata to Rotorua
Continue to Rotorua, where geothermal activity creates a unique landscape of steaming vents and bubbling pools. Known as a cultural hub, this region offers rich Māori heritage alongside a wide range of outdoor and wellness experiences.

Discover Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland filled with bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and natural hot springs. Alongside its dramatic landscapes, the region offers rich Māori culture, wellness experiences, and a wide range of outdoor adventures.

Suggested Activities: National Kiwi Hatchery Experience
Gain a rare behind-the-scenes look at kiwi conservation and learn about New Zealand’s iconic native bird. Expert guides share insights into the hatching process, with the chance to see young kiwi up close.

Suggested Activities: Original Ziplining Experience with Rotorua Canopy Tours
Glide through native forest on an exhilarating zipline adventure high above the canopy. Between platforms and suspension bridges, learn about the region’s ecology and conservation efforts from knowledgeable guides.

Included: Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience
Experience an immersive evening of Māori culture set within a forest village, featuring storytelling, performance, and seasonal cuisine. This award-winning experience blends tradition, music, and shared dining to showcase the rich heritage and living culture of Aotearoa.

Drive through geothermal regions and along the shores of Lake Taupō. Continue to Napier, known for its Art Deco architecture and coastal charm.

Included: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Explore a vibrant geothermal landscape shaped by volcanic activity, featuring colourful mineral pools, steaming vents, and unique natural formations. Walk at your own pace through this remarkable environment, including highlights like the Mud Pool and the impressive Lady Knox Geyser eruption.

Suggested Activities: Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride
Experience an adrenaline-filled jet boat ride along the Waikato River, skimming past cliffs and spinning through crystal-clear waters. Get up close to the powerful Huka Falls for an unforgettable view of one of New Zealand’s most dramatic natural attractions.

Discover Hawke’s Bay, a region known for its Art Deco charm, coastal scenery, and world-class wineries. Enjoy a blend of food, wine, cycling trails, and wildlife experiences in one of New Zealand’s sunniest regions.

Suggested Activities: Gannet Safaris
Travel along the rugged coastline to Cape Kidnappers and get up close to one of the world’s largest gannet colonies. This guided 4WD experience offers stunning views, local insights, and unique wildlife encounters.

Suggested Activities: Hawke’s Bay Half Day Wine Tour with Grape Escape
Sample a selection of premium wines while visiting some of the region’s top wineries. This relaxed tour combines tastings, scenic countryside, and local produce for a memorable experience.

Travel south through the Wairarapa region, passing farmland, small towns, and scenic countryside along the way. Stop at charming villages like Greytown before arriving in Martinborough, a renowned wine destination.

Suggested Activities: Martinborough Half Day Wine Tour with Martinborough Wine Tours
Visit a selection of boutique vineyards and sample premium wines from this celebrated region. Learn about local winemaking traditions while enjoying a relaxed and scenic tasting experience.

Discover one of New Zealand’s most rugged and scenic coastlines, where dramatic landscapes, seal colonies, and small seaside settlements create a unique experience. Visit Cape Palliser Lighthouse for sweeping ocean views and pass through Ngawi, a quirky fishing village known for its tractors and crayfish industry.

Suggested Activities: Pinot to Palliser Guided Tour with Martinborough Wine Tours
Combine coastal scenery with wine tasting as you explore Palliser Bay’s dramatic landscapes and Martinborough’s charming village. Visit seal colonies, climb Cape Palliser Lighthouse for panoramic views, and enjoy tastings in one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions.

Travel across the scenic Remutaka Ranges into Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital known for its creative energy and compact, walkable centre. Discover a mix of culture, cuisine, and waterfront charm, with highlights including Te Papa Museum, Cuba Street, and the city’s lively café scene.

Suggested Activities: Wellington Cable Car
Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car for sweeping views over the city and harbour as you ascend to Kelburn. At the top, explore nearby attractions such as the Cable Car Museum, Space Place, or wander through the beautiful Botanic Garden.

Discover Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, known for its creative culture, waterfront setting, and compact city centre. From Te Papa Museum to Cuba Street and the iconic Cable Car, the city offers a mix of history, food, and unique local experiences.

Suggested Activities: Wellington Half Day Private Tour with Capital Personalised Tour
Explore Wellington’s highlights with a private guide, including panoramic views from Mt Victoria and a scenic coastal drive. Visit the Weta Cave, ride the Cable Car, and see key landmarks such as the Botanic Gardens and Parliament buildings.

Suggested Activities: Zealandia By Night Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
Experience Zealandia after dark on a guided night tour through this unique eco-sanctuary. Discover rare native wildlife in their natural habitat within a protected valley just minutes from the city.

Travel north along the Kapiti Coast through rolling farmland to Whanganui, a historic riverside city rich in culture and heritage. Discover scenic viewpoints, heritage walks, and access to Whanganui National Park, where native forest and river landscapes create a unique setting.

Explore Whanganui, a charming city set along the Whanganui River, offering a mix of history, art, and natural beauty. Visit museums, gardens, and scenic lookouts, or venture into the surrounding national park for walking trails and river experiences.

Suggested Activities: Bridge to Nowhere Jet Boat Tour
Journey deep into Whanganui National Park by jet boat, travelling through dramatic gorges and native bush while learning about the region’s history. A short forest walk leads to the historic Bridge to Nowhere, offering a unique glimpse into New Zealand’s past.

Follow the scenic South Taranaki coastline towards New Plymouth, with views of the striking volcanic peak of Mt Taranaki along the way. This vibrant coastal city offers a mix of gardens, beaches, and walkways, creating a relaxed yet scenic destination.

Egmont National Park – Te Papakura o Taranaki
Explore a stunning national park centred around Mt Taranaki, a perfectly shaped volcanic peak surrounded by lush rainforest. Discover walking trails through native forest, waterfalls, and viewpoints, or challenge yourself with a guided alpine hike.

Suggested Activities: Pukeiti Gardens Taranaki
Wander through a world-renowned garden set within rainforest on the slopes of Mt Taranaki, featuring vibrant seasonal blooms. Native birdlife, scenic walking tracks, and peaceful surroundings make this a relaxing and visually stunning experience.

Travel along the North Taranaki coastline before heading inland through rolling farmland and rural communities. Pass through Te Kuiti in the historic King Country and continue towards the limestone landscapes of Waitomo.

Included: Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Aranui Cave Tour
Explore an underground world of limestone caves filled with impressive rock formations and natural beauty. Glide beneath thousands of glowworms in the Glowworm Caves and discover intricate stalactites and stalagmites in the Aranui Cave.

Travel north through the lush Waikato countryside, passing rolling farmland and limestone landscapes on your way to Auckland. Along the journey, enjoy the opportunity to discover native wildlife and scenic rural views.

Included: Hamilton Gardens Entry with Audio Guide
Explore a collection of themed gardens that showcase design styles and stories from cultures around the world. The self-guided audio tour offers fascinating insights as you wander through these beautifully curated landscapes.

Enjoy your final moments in Auckland, soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere and harbour views. Take time to revisit favourite spots or relax before your journey home.

Return your car rental at Auckland Airport
Explore more of Auckland before returning your rental car at the airport depot. This easy process ensures a smooth and convenient end to your New Zealand adventure.