North Island Self Drive

Travel through the heart of the North Island on this short 'highlights' New Zealand self-drive tour. From Auckland journey south through the Waikato countryside to Rotorua, the Maori culture capital of New Zealand. It’s then on to the Art Deco city of Napier in the Hawkes Bay, home to New Zealand’s oldest vineyards.  The final leg of your whirlwind tour of the North Island takes you past sheep farms and wineries as you travel through the Wairarapa region to your final destination, the capital city of Wellington.

Starting and finishing in Wellington explore Napier, Rotorua, Auckland Waitomo and Tongariro National Park on this circular North Island route.

Starting with a relaxing break on Waiheke Island, you'll explore the boutique wineries on this balmy haven. You then journey south for a Coromandel Wilderness Adventure, Maori culture in Rotorua and the majestic mountains of Tongariro National Park as you hike the renowned Tongariro Crossing.

Spend 10 days in Middle Earth. This itinerary takes you to Mt Doom, Mordor, Hobbiton, and the Weta Cave...

Add this itinerary to some existing plans. Starting in Rotorua your whirlwind adventure includes visiting Hobbiton, Jet Boat riding, staying on the side of a volcano and glow worm caves!

Journey south through New Zealand’s North Island from Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’ to the quirky capital city of Wellington.  Along the way you’ll encounter Maori culture in Rotorua,  explore the Art Deco architecture and vineyards of Napier and travel at a relaxed pace allowing you to really soak up the atmosphere of each destination.

Starting in Wellington explore Napier, Rotorua, Auckland and the Bay of Islands.

Explore the best of the North Island at a relaxing pace, allowing you time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the diverse scenery.  From the ‘City of Sails’ you’ll journey north to the tropical Bay of Islands for 3 nights.  Then meander back down the island via the Kauri Coast, Snells Beach and the Coromandel Peninsula before hitting the cultural centre of Rotorua.  Continue on to the vibrant city of Wellington via the wine regions of the Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa.

What a fantastic itinerary. Exploring the tropical north while enjoying some fine hospitality in unique accommodations. There really is nothing to match this.

Explore the Central North Island's jewels. Starting in Auckland visit the famous Waitomo Caves, Rotorua's culture and geothermal attractions and the wonderful golden beaches of the Coromandel.

Take 14 days to explore the North Island. This itinerary covers the premier locations at a pace you will enjoy. Time to relax with the 'must see' activities taken care of. Stay in a superb selection of 5 star hotels, luxury and boutique lodges.

Take 14 days to explore the North Island. This itinerary covers the premier locations at a pace you will enjoy. Time to relax with the 'must see' activities taken care of. Stay in a superb selection of 5 star hotels, luxury and boutique lodges.

Explore the North Island Auckland to Wellington on this short 'taster' tour. Rotorua, the cultural and adventure centre of the North Island plus the art deco city of Napier, wine regions of Hawkes Bay and the cosmopolitan capital city of Wellington will showcase the diversity on offer.

A tour through the heart of the North Island highlighting its incredible diversity. Experience the rich culture of Rotorua with a visit to Tamaki Maori Village plus a full day to explore the thermal wonders. Visit Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand and then onto the world famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and Aranui Cave before heading back to Auckland.

Explore the North Island's major visitor cities. After a day trip to beautiful Waiheke Island, travel south from Auckland via Rotorua and on to the art deco city of Napier. Then continue south for a night in picturesque Martinborough before you enjoy two nights in our vibrant capital Wellington. Take in the amazing scenery of the central North island returning to Auckland on board the Northern Explorer scenic train. This is a great value tour with plenty of time to explore the regions at your own pace.

Explore every corner of the North Island with this 21 day self drive tour. As well as the iconic destinations of Rotorua and the Bay of Islands, you’ll also have time to explore some out of the way hidden gems, like Cape Palliser and the spectacular Taranaki coastline.  Highlights of this tour include the wine growing regions of Martinborough and the Hawkes Bay; idyllic beach communities of the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Islands; the unique Maori culture of Rotorua and the vibrant cities of Auckland and Wellington.