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5-Day North Island Highlights

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Overview

Travel through the heart of the North Island on this five-day highlights of New Zealand self-drive tour!

From Auckland, you'll journey south through the Waikato countryside to Rotorua, the Maori culture capital of New Zealand. Then, it's on to the Art Deco city of Napier in Hawke's Bay, home to New Zealand's oldest vineyards.

The final leg of your whirlwind North Island holiday takes you past sheep farms and wineries as you travel through the Wairarapa region to your final destination. the vibrant capital of Wellington.
Culture & Arts
Outdoors & Nature
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Cruising

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Auckland!

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Welcome to Auckland!

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Auckland accommodation. 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. On this first day of your North Island holiday, 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.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    CityLife Auckland4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    AucklandOptional Activity

    Fullers Auckland Harbour CruiseOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Auckland Airport to Auckland

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

Day 2

Collect Your Rental Car & Scenic Drive to Rotorua via Hobbiton

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Collect Your Rental Car & Scenic Drive to Rotorua via Hobbiton

This morning, you'll collect your rental car and head out of the city to Rotorua. On the way, you can stop and visit the Hobbiton Movie Set. Here, you'll become immersed in The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. In the heard of the lush Waikato farming region, your tour will begin with a drive through a picturesque sheep farm. Upon arrival in Rotorua, you'll settle into your hotel. In the evening, you'll have the option to visit the Mitai Maori village for an introduction to this culture.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Quest Rotorua Central4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hobbiton Movie SetOptional Activity

    Mitai Maori VillageOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Auckland to Rotorua

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

    Matamata

    Rotorua

  • notes icon
    Notes

    This morning you'll collect your rental car; you'll have a choice of a range of cars.

Day 3

Scenic Drive from Rotorua to Napier through Geothermal Region

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Scenic Drive from Rotorua to Napier through Geothermal Region

This drive will take you through the thermal region south of Rotorua. Home to a plethora of unique geothermal attractions including boiling mud pits, natural hot springs and steaming geysers. You'll then continue on to Taupo and marvel at the lake - a giant crater formed following a volcanic eruption in the year 180 CE. As you approach the city, be sure to stop at Huka Falls. In Hawke's Bay, you have the option to head out on a half-day wine tour and visit some of the most famous wineries.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bella Vista Motel Napier4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal WonderlandOptional Activity

    Huka FallsOptional Activity

    The Grape Escape Hawke's Bay Wine TourOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Rotorua to Napier

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rotorua

    Waikato

    Wairakei

    Napier

    Te Haroto

Day 4

Scenic Drive from Napier to Wellington via Masterton

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Scenic Drive from Napier to Wellington via Masterton

The rolling countryside of Hawke's Bay leads you into some of New Zealand's richest farmland, located around the Manawatu region. Passing along the Manawatu Gorge, the Wairarapa welcomes you. Masterton is home to the golden shears sheep shearing competition whilst just south, Greytown boasts the largest concentration of historic wooden buildings in the country. The route takes you over the Rimutaka Range and along the magnificent natural harbour that the capital city of Wellington sits upon.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    CityLife Wellington4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Masterton

    GreytownOptional Activity

    Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary Night TourOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Napier to Wellington

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Napier

    Masterton

    Greytown

    Wellington

Day 5

Explore Wellington & Departure

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Explore Wellington & Departure

Situated at the tip of New Zealand's North Island, Wellington is not only the capital but also one of the coolest cities in New Zealand. The compact city is a vibrant and powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine, all surrounded by stunning scenery. You'll have the day to explore Wellington as you wish before you return your rental car and head to the airport.

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in WellingtonOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Wellington to Wellington International Airport

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

Included in Price

  • 4 nights accommodation
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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