Included in this journey:
- 4 nights’ accommodation
- Rental car with full insurance coverage – medium size car (Toyota Corolla sedan or similar)
- Unlimited kilometres, GPS navigation, airport/ferry fee
Day 1 – Arrive in Auckland
Collect your rental car from the airport and drive to the city centre. Check-in at the hotel (after 3:00pm).
The ‘City of Sails’ is the country’s largest metro area and it has something for everyone – native bush, rainforests and an array of beaches, shopping, cafes, restaurants….. You will not get bored in Auckland!
Overnight: Auckland
See & Do: Auckland Museum | Auckland Zoo | Waiheke Island | Rangitoto Island | Sky Tower | Viaduct Harbour
Day 2: Auckland – Rotorua
Today drive south from Auckland past the Bombay Hills and into the rolling farmland and rich dairy pastures of the Waikato. The Bombay Hills mark the outer boundary of greater Auckland area and head into central Waikato. Keep an eye out for the town of Matamata – this is where you can visit the fully intact Hobbiton film set used in the shooting of the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Drive pass several small farming communities and you will soon arrive in Rotorua.
Driving Information:
Approximate distance and time: 220 kms – 2.6 hours
Overnight: Rotoura
See & Do: Hobbiton Movie Set | Rotorua Maori Hangi Dinner and Performance | Te Puia | Mitai Maori Village | Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland | Polynesian Spa | Rotorua Redwood Forest
Day 3: Rotoura – Hawke’s Bay
This drive will take you through the thermal region just south of Rotorua. Home to an array of unique geothermal attractions including boiling mud pits, natural hot springs and steaming geysers. Take time and explore. Notable attractions are Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Craters of the Moon.
Continue on to Taupo and visit the lake – a giant crater formed following a volcanic eruption in the year 180 CE. Before you get into Taupo, stop at Huka Falls to view the spectacular sight of hundreds of cubic metres of water spilling every second down the narrow 11 metre drop.
When you are ready leave. Taupo and follow the road as it climbs the rugged Ahimanawa Range before descending back down the Pacific Coast to art deco Napier.
Driving Information:
Approximate distance: 210 kms – 2.4 hours
Overnight: Napier
See & Do: Huka Falls | Natural Hot Springs | Craters of the Moon | Great Lake Walkway | Waipahihi Botanical Reserve | Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings
Day 4: Napier – Wellington
The rolling countryside of the 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 while just further south Greytown boasts the largest concentration of historic wooden buildings in the country. Nearby Martinborough is home to dozens of boutique wineries. The route takes you over the Rimutaka Range and along the magnificent natural harbour that the city of Wellington sits upon.
Driving Information:
Approximate distance: 322 kms – 4.1 hours
Overnight: Wellington
See & Do: Napier CBD | Art Deco Tour | Wine Tour | Farmers Market | Te Mata Peak
Day 5: Wellington
Wellington – the windy city – is home to New Zealand’s centre of government and is a thriving, cosmopolitan city full of culture, fashion and food. It is home to an array of quirky laneway bars, art shows and hipster eateries. A visit to Te Papa Museum is a must and for those looking for a holiday feel, there are plenty of sandy beaches outside the urban bustle.
Head to the airport, drop off the rental car and catch your flight home.
See & Do: Te Papa Museum | Mt Victoria Lookout | WetaCave And Workshop | Cuba Street | Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary | The Parliament Building | Cable Car
* All prices from, twin share on a room only basis with itinerary starting on a Monday & subject to availability. All activities at own expense. All distances and times are approximate.