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Visit the highlights of North Island at your own pace on this self-drive itinerary between Auckland and Wellington. The tour takes in the pristine Bay of Islands, the wine-producing regions of Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa, the capital city of Wellington and the volcanic region of Rotorua, while also offering opportunities to discover the island’s indigenous culture and history. The tour can be adjusted to combine with the South Island Explorer itinerary.
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On arrival, you will be transferred to the SKYCITY Grand Hotel for a stay of 2 nights. The following day is at leisure to relax or explore Auckland. We recommend pre-booking a cruise in the harbour or taking a city tour. (N)
Collect your hire car and drive north to the small town of Russell in the Bay of Islands. Stay at the Arcadia Lodge for 2 nights. The following day is at leisure. Entrance to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds or a cruise on the Bay of Islands can be pre-booked. (N) (B)
Drive south past Auckland to the beautiful Coromandel peninsula. Stay 2 nights at Brenton Lodge in Whangamata. The following day is at leisure to explore this scenic region. (B)
Drive to the pretty Bay of Plenty and stop off at the coastal town of Mount Maunganui before continuing south to the volcanic town of Rotorua. Stay 2 nights at the Millennium Hotel Rotorua. Upgrades are available to stay at the Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel & Spa, a luxury eight-bedroom property that overlooks the lake on the outskirts of the city. (B)
Day at leisure to explore the volcanic attractions of Rotorua. We recommend pre-booking a Rotorua Diamond Pass, which includes entrance to many of the town’s top sights and attractions. (N)
Take a scenic drive east to the wine-growing region of Hawke’s Bay and stay 2 nights at the McHardy Lodge in Napier. Alternatively upgrade your accommodation with a stay at the Farm at Cape Kidnappers to experience a modernrustic retreat set within rolling farmland and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The following day is at leisure. We recommend pre-booking a tour of the nearby vineyards or a visit to the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. (N), (B)
Continue south along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail to the Wairarapa wine region and stay 2 nights at Peppers Parehua in Martinborough. Spend the next day exploring the nearby vineyards and cellar doors surrounding the town. (B)
Drive to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, and stay 2 nights at the Bolton Hotel. Spend the next day exploring the city; recommended excursions include a walking tour and a visit to New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa. (B), (N)
Return your car hire at the airport and fly home. Alternatively continue your holiday in New Zealand; see the South Island Explorer itinerary overleaf or speak to one of our New Zealand experts for more information and suggestions. (N)
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
This tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.
International flights are not included with this itinerary. For flight options and prices, please call one of our New Zealand experts.
Based on a group D car (Toyota Corolla Hatch or similar) for 13 days. Fuel is at your own expense.
For a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
This tour can be booked / reserved online by clicking on one of the coloured links below.
NOE2019: 14 Nights
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is poised between two large harbours...
Napier Located in the Hawke's Bay wine region, Napier is a coastal town renowned for...
Rotorua Located on North Island's volcanic plateau, the town of Rotorua is the...
Wellington New Zealand's capital city, Wellington is set on a magnificent harbour...