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Exploring New Zealand

NORTH ISLAND EXPLORER

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND!

On arrival into Auckland you will be greeted at the airport and transferred by private vehicle to the accommodation of your choice. After a long flight it is recommended to get outside and stretch the legs; thankfully there is an abundance of wonderful locations around the city for such an activity.

Day 2 - AUCKLAND

Today you are free to explore Auckland and the surrounding region. From the dramatic black sand beaches of the west coast to the picturesque islands of the Hauraki Gulf you are spoiled for choice. Relaxing in a waterfront bar or restaurant is a wonderful way to round off the day.

Day 3 - 5 - Bay of Islands

Today you will pick up your hire car and make your way north from Auckland to the Bay of Islands. This region encompasses over 140 subtropical islands, a handful of historic towns, undeveloped beaches and an abundance of marine life. Popular activities for your time here include boat trips to Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’ on Piercy Island with plenty of wildlife spotting along the way or sea kayaking around the sheltered coves of the islands. If you prefer land-based activities, explore the pretty towns of Kerikeri and Russell or visit New Zealand’s most important historic site where the country’s founding document was signed.

Day 6 - 8 - Coromandel

Today you will make your way south towards the Coromandel Peninsula. You will by-pass Auckland, pass over the Bombay Hills, through rolling farmland, and on to the peninsula. With 3 nights to explore there is lots to keep you busy. The not to be missed Cathedral Cove is a favourite, as is unique Hot Water Beach. Hiking in the lush centre of the peninsula, kayaking in marine reserves, getting out on a fishing charter to catch the big one, or taking a walk from Whangapoua over to New Chums beach, which was recently voted in one of the top 10 beaches in the world are also highly recommended. One thing is for sure; whatever you do, and however you spend your time you will not want to leave and memories will reach long into the sunset.

Day 9 - 10 - Rotorua

Leaving the Coromandel Peninsula after breakfast you will find the North Island rolling out in front of you. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan then today is the perfect opportunity to visit Hobbiton, peek into Bilbo’s world and take refreshments at the Green Dragon. You will arrive in to Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s top destinations in the early-to-mid afternoon. There is plenty on offer in Rotorua and something for everyone. From the towering trees of the Redwood Forest, to the mud pools and geysers of the Te Puia Cultural and Geothermal Centre, to the Polynesian Spa, to the excitement of luging at Skyline Rotorua. Not to mention the exhilarating floatplane flight over Mount Tarawera to Blue Lake and the Buried Village, or Rainbow Springs; home to Kiwi and many other birds and reptiles native to New Zealand.

Day 11 - 12 - Hawke's Bay

The destination today is the Hawkes Bay, an area famed for many things, none more so than the world class wine that is grown in abundance here and the delectable morsels that pair perfectly. Opportunity abounds in all directions to treat the taste buds. With 2 nights here there is time enough time to explore and get a feel for one of the great corners of New Zealand. It is highly recommended that if the weather gods are being kind then visiting Te Mata peak at sunrise should not be missed. As the first rays start to warm New Zealand you will be pleased with your decision and excited about the options that are available in the “Bay”. Time here is best filled visiting vineyards, marvelling at Napier – the Art Deco capital of the world or hiring bicycles to enjoy the rolling landscape at your own pace.

Day 13 - 15 - Wellington

Leaving the Hawkes Bay behind, you will make your way through towns such as Waipawa and Dannevirke, getting a feel for rural New Zealand before weaving your way down the Kapiti coast, past the Tararua Ranges, and  into Wellington. With 3 nights in New Zealand’s capital there is plenty to see and do.  Wellington has always been a foodies dream with exceptional eateries at every turn; however, nowadays it is much, much more. From the world-class national museum Te Papa; to the Weta Workshop, where you can see how Lord of the Rings was brought to life; and the biosphere Zealandia, host to some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife. And if you want to see how New Zealand is governed then a free tour through the Beehive provides a great insight. Don’t feel hemmed in by the city boundaries either as it acts as a great base for exploring the region; in particular a day drive to the truly rugged Cape Palliser, wine touring in Martinborough, or a day on Kapiti Island. The options here are endless.

Day 16 - 17 - Tongariro National Park

The Tongariro National Park is the oldest in New Zealand and second oldest in the world, and it is no wonder this special place was recognised as such so long ago. Perched on the Central Plateau you will find the North Island’s largest mountains and taking a stroll in the lower reaches of the park is a great way to get a feel for what is on offer. This said, of all the activities to be had in the park, the one that takes the headlines and entices people from all corners of the world is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which many experts believe to be “the best one day walk in the world”.

Day 18 - 19 - Karioitahi Beach

The drive north will take you through the King Country, a rugged area of natural beauty and home to the Waitomo Caves, which are definitely worth a visit. There is a wide spectrum of activities to be had from a leisurely walk in the caves to the more extreme black water rafting. Your destination for the next two nights is Karioitahi, a small coastal location about an hour south of Auckland and the perfect destination to either relax with breath-taking views or explore a corner of New Zealand that is often overlooked on the tourist route. Karioitahi provides a great base for exploring the Awhitu Peninsula, where you can visit golden beaches that dot the coastline, the regional park, or the dramatically located lighthouse standing sentinel over the entrance to the Manukau Harbour.

Day 20 - DRIVE NORTH TO AUCKLAND & FLY HOME

Make your way to Auckland International Airport where you will board a flight to your destination.

What's included?

INCLUDED:
  • Prices start from £2,450 per person
  • Accommodation based on 14 nights bed and breakfast and 5 nights room only basis
  • Airport transfers on arrival to New Zealand
  • Car hire (air-conditioned vehicle)
  • Local taxes
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
Make a booking

This self-drive tour is a comprehensive loop of the North Island of New Zealand. Visit some of the best of the country’s spectacular coastline as well the second oldest National Park in the world. Explore Maori culture in Rotorua and New Zealand’s colonial beginnings at Waitangi. Delight your taste buds with some world-class wine and local, organic produce in Hawke’s Bay. This tour gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace in your hire car, and the choice of filling your days with activities or just sitting back with a glass of wine and enjoying the fabulous surroundings. Accommodation is a mixture of boutique B&Bs and small, friendly hotels. Please note that all of our tours are completely flexible so we can alter this in any way you see fit.

Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is a coastal area of Northern New Zealand with a collection of over 140 sub-tropical islands ready to be explored. This area is well known for its quiet and beautiful white sand beaches, sparkling emerald seas and abundant marine life. More
Auckland
New Zealand's largest city is a vibrant melting pot of cultures and a thriving hub of arts, music and cuisine. Known as the City of Sails, the beautiful harbour provides the perfect backdrop to this relaxed and easy-going metropolis. The nearby island of Waiheke; well-loved for its wine and food scene is just a short ferry ride away. More
Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula is a favourite getaway for Aucklanders and with good reason. This area is blessed with great weather, fabulous beaches and some fantastic hiking trails in the mountainous, rainforest clad interior. Don't miss Cathedral Cove; one of the most picturesque spots on this beautiful peninsula. More
Rotorua
Rotorua is a hive of geothermal activity with bubbling mud pools, explosive geysers, plumes of steam and natural hot springs perfect for bathing in. It is also a great place for adventure with over 90km of world class mountain biking trails, magical redwood forests and plenty of opportunity for adrenaline with zorbing, zip-lining and luging some of the most popular activities. More
Tongariro National Park
This is New Zealand's oldest national park and home to three active volcanoes surrounded by alpine meadows, hot springs and emerald lakes. The park's most popular activity, and deservedly so, is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a one-day trek that traverses the slopes of all three mountains and takes in steaming craters, old lava flows and thermal lakes. More
Hawke's Bay
This is one of New Zealand's warmest and driest regions which has made it one of the country's leading areas for wine production as well as an abundance of delicious fruit. There are dozens of off-road bike trails which have made wine-touring by bike a favourite pastime with locals and tourists alike. It is also home to the quirky Art Deco town of Napier where 1930s architecture has been beautifully preserved. More
Martinborough
Only an hour drive from Wellington is the sleepy rural village of Martinborough; the centre of the region's wine industry and the home of some of the best pinot noir in New Zealand. Most of the, mainly family-owned, vineyards are within walking or cycling distance from the village centre. More
Wellington
New Zealand's capital is a compact little city full of quirky shops, plenty of street art and a fantastic waterfront area. It's an ideal place for exploring on foot. The craft beer scene and coffee culture are in full swing here and there are plenty of great places to sample both. More
Marlborough
Marlborough is New Zealand's largest wine region and there are plenty of vineyards to stop off at here. But it's not all about the wine, the beautiful winding waterways of the Marlborough Sounds make up one fifth of New Zealand's coastline and can be explored on a boat trip, from the air or hiking along the ridges and through lush coastal bush on the Queen Charlotte Track. More
Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman is situated in the sunniest region of New Zealand and is a highlight on any trip. The marine reserve is home to seals, dolphins and native sea birds and best explored on a kayaking or sailing adventure. The picture-perfect, deserted, golden sand beaches are only accessible by boat or hiking through magical, untouched forests. More
Punakaiki
This area is famed for its impressive limestone rock formations. The pancake rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki are the most well visited of these and at high tide, with westerly swells, geysers of sea water shoot skywards creating an impressive display. More
Franz Josef Glacier
The glaciers on the West Coast are some of the most convenient to visit in the world and their low altitude means that you can be on the ice yet still comfortable in just a t-shirt. The glaciers are best explored on a heli-hike or a guided walk on the ice to experience the incredible colours and formations of the frozen landscape. More
Queenstown
Queenstown has it all. A stunning natural setting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery, a plethora of outdoor activities to keep even the most adventurous entertained for weeks plus fantastic restaurants, buzzing nightlife and great shopping. More
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a remote, breath-taking and spell-binding place where the mountains rise vertically from the dark water and waterfalls plunge hundreds of metres downwards. Explore by boat, kayak or from the air, this place is magical in any weather. More
Mackenzie Country
This area is dotted with remarkable turquoise coloured lakes with a dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps, making it extremely picturesque. At night, the beauty doesn't fade with the sunset as this area is part of an International Dark Sky Reserve which makes it one of the best star gazing spots on the planet. More
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is home to some of the most nutrient rich waters in New Zealand and is a permanent feeding spot for whales, seals and dolphins. There are plenty of boat trips out to visit the wildlife or if you want to get even closer, swimming with the seals or dolphins is a highlight. It is also a great spot to try some of the local delicacy; crayfish. More
Christchurch
Known as the Garden City, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and is well known for its beautiful parks and award-winning botanical gardens. It is a creative hub with plenty of independent boutiques, pop-up restaurants and modern art. More

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