The Winterless North
Explore the tropical Bay of Islands, the magnificent giant Kauri trees of the Waipoua Forest and the boutique wine region of Matakana, the winterless north is the perfect year round destination. Along the way you'll stay at charming boutique lodges where you can relax in style after each day's adventure.
Included in this New Zealand self drive holiday
- This New Zealand holiday starts at price per person (see details)
- 6 days / 5 nights from Auckland to Auckland
- Accommodation is Boutique lodges & hotels (can be customised)
- A superb range of rental cars to choose from
- Rental car insurance with full coverage (variable excess/deductible)
- Unlimited kilometres, GPS navigation, airport and ferry fees
- Can be fully customised to suit you
- All breakfasts
- Private airport transfers




Day 1 - Welcome to Auckland City
Private transfer Auckland airport to your accommodation
On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Auckland accommodation.
Itinerary information by APP & in country support
Access to our exclusive New Zealand Touring APP. The APP includes your full itinerary and reservation details, all available online and offline as well as lots of other great information such as restaurant guides, weather forecasts and local activity suggestions. Instant itinerary updates and changes are available and it's easy to keep in touch with us. The App is free and easy to download on your mobile using Android or IOS.
You also have access to our free call number and after-hours service if you require support while on tour.
Welcome to Auckland




Auckland, New Zealand's self-proclaimed "City of Sails" is the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or take a drive through one of over 800 regional National Parks to see deserted beaches, waterfalls and native forest.
Harbour Sailing Cruise with Explore - suggested




Enjoy the City of Sails from the water on a relaxed harbour sailing yacht. This cruise offers a uniquely local experience experiencing the harbour under sail with a small vessel with an intimate and engaging atmosphere. View the stunning city sights while sailing on the inner Waitemata Harbour. Sail where the wind takes us while enjoying Auckland's city highlights; including sailing under the Harbour Bridge and other well-known landmarks along the harbour's edge. The crew's local knowledge will give you the best harbour sailing experience Auckland has to offer. Become the crew and help participate with the sailing experience take the helm while you carve through the water, or if you prefer just sit back and relax above deck.
Accommodation: The Great Ponsonby Art Hotel B&B
Accommodation type: Boutique lodges & hotels




Accommodation features
- Check in time: 2 pm
- Check out time: 10 am
- Parking: onsite free parking
- Internet facilities: In room free access
- Includes continental breakfast
- Includes cooked breakfast
- Bar on site
- Hair Dryer
- All rooms non smoking
Day 2 - Leave Auckland over the harbour bridge, then travel north to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands
Driving distance and time: 230 kms / 143 miles : 3.3 hours
Times are based on averages for this specific route and allow for stops. Use these times as guidelines and to assist in the planning for your day.
Collect your rental car




Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. Insurance is included with a small excess or deductible. All airport fees, additional driver fees and unlimited kilometres are also included. To help you navigate your way around New Zealand all rentals also come with GPS. Our range included small compact cars to mid-size saloons to large 4WD and people movers.
GPS navigation system
Use the latest GPS technology as you tour New Zealand. Your portable GPS features a simple touch screen interface with automatic route calculation and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions including street name announcement. The automotive-grade GPS unit is easy to use and has multiple language options.
Auckland to Russell, Bay of Islands




The drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands normally takes around three and a half hours - but plan to take a little longer for there are many things to see along the way. Stretch your legs in Puhoi, New Zealand's only Bohemian settlement. Go through Warkworth, and Whangarei and see the world famous hundertwasser toilets in Kawakawa. Arriving into Russell via the Opua Ferry, you'll be greeted by lush bush-clad hillsides dropping to golden sandy beaches.
Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge, Russell
Accommodation type: Boutique lodges & hotels
Meals included: Breakfast




Accommodation features
- Check in time: 3 pm
- Please note: Check in is ONLY until 7pm unless otherwise arranged
- Check out time: 11 am
- Walk time to shops/restaurants: 2-5 mins
- Parking: onsite free parking
- Internet facilities: In room free access
- Includes continental breakfast
- Includes cooked breakfast
- Hair Dryer
- All rooms non smoking
Day 3 - Discover the history of Waitangi or take a cruise through the island studded bay
Explore the Bay of Islands




Made up of over 140 subtropical atolls, New Zealand's Bay of Islands is commonly known as the ‘winterless north.’ Renowned for its untouched beaches, abundant marine life and idyllic climate this tropical paradise is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Spend some time on a remote stretch of beach, or cool off during a ‘swim with dolphins’ ocean safari. If diving is your thing, take the morning to descend the Rainbow Warrior - The Greenpeace flagship sunk by French saboteurs in 1985. Wander around Russell, a whaling port founded in 1843. Learn about our culture in historic Waitangi, the site where The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Maori and European settlers dictating the terms by which New Zealand would become a British colony. Before you leave take a travel day to Cape Reinga the very top of the North Island.
Dolphin Cruise to Hole in the Rock with Fullers GreatSights - suggested




Board your cruise and take in the stunning views as you glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over and Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the ‘Hole in the Rock’. According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space. Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as you get up close to the action. The purpose-built catamaran is licensed by DOC (the Department of Conservation) for dolphin viewing and the crew have years of experience locating dolphins in these waters. Dolphin Seeker has indoor and outdoor seating available, and the largest outdoor viewing decks in the Bay of Islands.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds Guided Tour and Cultural Performance - suggested




Waitangi is one of New Zealand's most historic sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the local Maori and the British Government. This two day pass allows you access to the Treaty of Waitangi Grounds and includes admission to the Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha Museum and a Maori Cultural performance. During your guided tour, you'll learn about the history of the treaty and discover the stories and events that shaped New Zealand. The cultural performance inside the carved meeting house includes waiata (singing), poi, a display of Maori weaponry and the haka - a war dance New Zealand is well known for.
Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge, Russell
Accommodation type: Boutique lodges & hotels
Meals included: Breakfast




Day 4 - Cross Northland following the aqua blue waters of the Hokianga
Driving distance and time: 116 kms / 72 miles : 1.6 hours
Times are based on averages for this specific route and allow for stops. Use these times as guidelines and to assist in the planning for your day.
Bay of Islands to Waipoua Forest




Heading west from the Bay of Islands you leave the Pacific Ocean and soon and arrive into the Hokianga and the wilder seas of the Tasman. The small townships of Omapere and Opononi have a great seaside feel and the perfect place to stop for an ice cream. The route now heads south and into the Waipoua Forest, home to the massive Kauri trees. Make sure you allow time to take one of the short walks that are signposted as you pass through the forest. Not to be missed is the 5 minute loop to view the largest of all the trees Tane Mahuta.
Daylight Waipoua Encounter




Your Maori guide will brief you on the protocols for your visit to the mighty Waipoua Forest. Stepping into our special world you will be walking under the same stars that guided our ancestor Kupe from legendary Hawaiiki to New Zealand. The highlight of the tour will be your meeting with 'The Lord of the Forest' - the giant Tane Mahuta! Your guide will formally greet the silent giant and then suddenly you stand dwarfed before his Lordship as the darkness closes in. His gnarled ancient limbs seem to grasp at the stars and the forest is silent but for the dim chatter of its night creatures.
Accommodation: Waipoua Lodge
Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & hotels
Meals included: Breakfast




Accommodation features
- Check in time: 3 pm
- Check out time: 11 am
- Parking: onsite free parking
- Internet facilities: In room free access
- Includes continental breakfast
- Includes cooked breakfast
- Includes dinner
- All rooms non smoking
Day 5 - Cross country along the Kaipara Harbour to the east coast
Driving distance and time: 132 kms / 82 miles : 1.7 hours
Times are based on averages for this specific route and allow for stops. Use these times as guidelines and to assist in the planning for your day.
Waipoua to Mangawhai




Continue down the Kauri Coast and across country towards the Matakohe Kauri Museum. This award winning museum has extensive displays of the regions logging, farming and social history. As you leave the Kaipara Harbour behind you'll head east to the seaside destination Mangawhai, home to beautiful beaches, vineyards and olive groves.
Accommodation: Mangawhai Lodge
Accommodation type: Bed & breakfast (B&B)
Meals included: Breakfast




Accommodation features
- Check in time: 3 pm
- Check out time: 10:30 am
- Walk time to shops/restaurants: 10-15 mins
- Parking: onsite free parking
- Internet facilities: In room free access
- Tea/coffee facilities in room
- Hair Dryer
- All rooms non smoking
Day 6 - Travel south to Auckland Airport for your onward journey
Driving distance and time: 122 kms / 76 miles : 1.7 hours
Times are based on averages for this specific route and allow for stops. Use these times as guidelines and to assist in the planning for your day.
Mangawhai to Auckland Airport




Leaving the idyllic Mangawhai region, head south on State Highway one towards Auckland ‘City of Sails.’ The route takes you through the farming regions of Wellsford and Warkworth where - if time allows - a side trip to Matakana or the Tawharanui Peninsula is well worth the effort. Pass through the suburbs of the North Shore before crossing the harbour bridge into the heart of Auckland City and on to the Auckland Airport.