13 Day North Island Self Discovery
13 Day North Island Self Discovery
New Zealand's North Island is place of sheer diversity, and this tour lets you experience just that! From subtropical and white pristine beaches to volcanic landscapes, ancient forests, boiling mud pools and other geothermal wonder, and lush green farmlands, the North Island of New Zealand will leave you captivated.
You'll experience some very unique attractions and activities, sample world-class wine, and drive through some pretty relaxed towns.
Highlights
Waiheke Island Wine Tour Cape Reinga Lighthouse Hole in the rock cruise Bay of Islands Hobbiton movie set tour Waitomo Caves Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland Huka Falls Jet Tongariro National Park and Crossing Cathedral cove and Hot Water Beach
Regions Visited
Itinerary Map
Terms and Conditions
Prices are based on twin share occupancy in a double room, and are subject to availability. If anything comes back unavailable, we will endeavor to find you a suitable alternative.
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Day 1 : Auckland
Welcome to Auckland and New Zealand. On arrival you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your first night’s accommodation. Or if you’ve decided to pick up your rental vehicle immediately, you pick up your vehicle at the airport and drive to your accommodation.
Your detailed tour information pack will be given to you once you arrive at your accommodation.
You’ll most likely be pretty tired from a long flight, so take the rest of the day to relax and explore the inner city. The city centre of Auckland is not too big, so you can easily walk around. Visit the Skytower to take in great views of the city, and stroll around the waterfront with its many nice bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal.
Hotel : Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland
Motel : Abaco on Jervois.
Day 2 : Auckland
Begin your day with a tour of Auckland's scenic city highlights, followed by an afternoon tasting world-class wines amid the beautiful surroundings of Waiheke Island. Starting in the central city, travel over the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, enjoying views of the harbour and city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour and bustling Queen Street, and explore the Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park.
Following your morning city tour, enjoy a 40-minute ferry ride across the Waitemata Harbour to Waiheke Island, a haven of beaches, eateries and boutique vineyards. Upon arrival you'll be picked up by luxury coach and whisked away on a guided tour of three of Waiheke's premier wineries – Mudbrick Estate, Cable Bay and Te Motu.
Hotel : Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland
Motel : Abaco on Jervois.
Day 3-4-5 : Bay of Islands
You'll cross the harbour bridge going north. Northland is a region with a abundance of marine life, subtropical climate and pristine beaches, but is also a region with historical significance.
About half way between Whangarei and Paihia, at Whakapara, we recommend you take the turn off for Helena Bay/Whangaruru. The journey to Paihia will be a little bit longer as the road winds its way along the coastline, but this stretch of coastline is absolutely stunning as you approach the Bay of Islands.
Paihia will be your base to explore the Bay of Islands. Upon your arrival, take the afternoon to relax and explore the seaside town, make the short trip to the picturesque town of Russell, or visit the nearby Waitangi Treaty grounds.
On the second day up north, you'll travel to the very top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Māori culture and tradition. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic light house, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean come crashing together. Ninety Mile Beach is another highlight of the tour, so make sure you stop along the way.
Before your journey back to Auckland, you will join a Hole in the Rock cruise in the morning with dolphin viewing. You'll board the Dolphin Seeker, a purpose built catamaran licensed by the Department of Conservation for dolphin and whale viewing. Enjoy the large outdoor viewing decks as you cruise past the islands of the Bay. Keep a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life as our experienced local skippers get you up close to the action. Cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic Hole in the Rock. Admire the rock walls towering above you as the skipper navigates right through the narrow space (conditions permitting) before heading back into the inner islands of the Bay.
Hotel : Scenic Hotel.
Motel : Pahia Bayview
Driving distance : 227 km - Driving time : approximately 3 hrs.
Click map to enlarge
Day 5 : Bay of Island- Auckland
On your way back to Auckland in the afternoon, stop for a coffee at the famous Hunterwasser toilets in Kawakawa, before taking another detour, this time to the Tutukaka Coast. The Tutukaka Coast is home to the Poor Knights Islands, world renowned for it's world class diving and marine life. Just north of Matapouri, a beautiful walk brings you to Whale Bay. Sandy bay is another beautiful spot and has great surfing.
Hotel : Grand Millennium Hotel.
Motel : Abaco on Jervois.
Driving distance : 227 km - Driving time : approximately 3 hrs.
Click map to enlarge
Day 6 : Auckland - Waitomo
This morning you'll head south through the lush farmlands of the Waikato, where you'll be in for a fun and exciting adventure in the famous Waitomo caves, the Waitomo Adventures Lost World Window
Motel : Caves Inn motel
Driving distance : 192 km - Driving time : approximately 2 hrs 19 mins
Click map to enlarge
Day 7 : Waitomo - National Park
Get your hiking boots on early this morning, as you'll make your way down to National Park Village in the Dual World Heritage Area of Tongariro National Park. Drop off your car at your accommodation when you arrive in National Park village. Transportation is arranged to the start of the Tongariro Crossing, a challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape. Lava flows, an active crater, steam vents, emerald-colored lakes and magnificent views combine to make this an unforgettable walking journey.
Motel : Plateau Lodge.
Driving distance : 142 km - Driving time : approximately 1 hrs 45 mins
Click map to enlarge
Day 8 : National Park - Taupo
The drive to Taupo is only about an hour, so you'll have plenty of time today.
About 2kms north of Taupo, a must see are the impressive Huka Falls. This is where the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, enters a shallow ravine of hard volcanic rock. The resulting sight is nothing but spectacular. More than 220,000 liters of water per second rushes by.
A thrilling jetboat ride up to the base of the Huka Falls is not only an exciting way to see the falls, but you'll also get the best views.
Hotel : Heritage Reef Resort.
Motel : Bella Vista Taupo.
Driving distance : 100 km - Driving time : approximately 1 hr 15 mins
Click map to enlarge
Day 9 : Taupo - Napier
Your destination today is Napier. This historic art deco city is located in the heart of New Zealand’s oldest wine-making region, Hawke’s Bay. Napier's city centre has the feeling of a time capsule - the seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary. One of the ways to enjoy the streetscape is on a self-guided walk - ask for a map at the information centre or at the Art Deco Trust.
Hotel : Art Deco Masonic Hotel.
Motel : Bella Vista Napier.
Driving distance : 141 km - Driving time : approximately 1 hr 50 mins.
Click map to enlarge
Day 10 : Napier - Rotorua
The drive to Rotorua takes you via Taupo again. From here, Rotorua is only about an hour driving, but there are many things to see en-route. Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonderland with its colorful hot springs, boiling mud pools and barren moon landscapes will leave you in awe. This is one of the most unique places you'll ever visit and highly recommended.
Rotorua is also nicknamed Roto Vegas by Kiwis for the amount of attractions it has. The main attractions are Maori culture and amazing geothermal activity. The region also has many beautiful lakes to explore. World-class biking trails, excellent hiking traills, natural hot streams, luxurious spas, a whole range of adventure activities such as rafting, sledging, jetboating, zorbing, racing down a steep hill in a luge, this place has it all. We recommend that you take the afternoon to experience one of these activities.
Hotel : Millennium Hotel Rotorua.
Motel : Rotorua Arista Motel.
Driving distance : 219 km - Driving time approximately : 2 hrs 43 mins
Click map to enlarge
Day 11 : Rotorua - Mt Maunganui
Your destination today is Mount Maunganui, or simply "The Mount" as it's called by the locals. The Mount is a relaxed beach town that occupies a peninsula at the southern end of Tauranga Harbour. At the very tip of the peninsula is a distinctive peak - Mauao - which rises to 230 metres above sea level. There's a choice of tracks leading to the summit, some more challenging than others. Huge views of the harbour, beach and Pacific Ocean make the effort totally worthwhile.
But before you get to the Mount, you will be paying a visit to the home of our little friends from the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies, the Shire or Hobbiton.
Hotel : Oceanside Resort & Twin Towers.
Driving distance : 124 km - Driving time approximately : 1 hrs 45 mins
Click map to enlarge
Day 12 : Mt Maunganui - Coromandel
The drive to and in the Coromandel will take you through a number of relaxed beach towns such as Waihi, Whangamata and Tairua. Take your time this morning and stop at some of these places and feel their relaxed vibe.
You will continue to head north until you reach Hahei, where you will find the famous Hot Water Beach and can dig your own spa at low tide. A little bit further up the road is the equally famous Cathedral Cove, where we've included the amazing kayaking trip for the afternoon. This is really one of the best kayaking trips in the country and it shows you dramatic stretches of coastline nobody else gets to see.
As you make your way to Coromandel town, your final destination for the day, make sure you stop at the less known New Chums Beach. This beach is regarded as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, so well worth the little side trip.
Motel : Blue Water.
Driving distance : 190 km - Driving time : approximately : 3 hrs 15 mins
Click map to enlarge
Day 13 : Coromandel - Auckland
Today is the last day of your tour and as you drive out of Coromandel Town, the road winds its way along the waterfront until you reach the historic mining town of Thames. Continue to follow the Hauraki Trail until you merge with the main highway for your final stretch into Auckland.
Driving distance : 177 km - Driving time : approximately 3 hours 10 mins
Click map to enlarge
NZD2,965.00
Price includes
- Complimentary airport transfers
- Detailed tour pack upon arrival ot accommodation.
- 13 day car rental with unlimited daily kilometers
- Standard insurance with zero excess reduction option.
- 12 Nights Accommodation.
- Auckland City sights and Waiheke wine tour
- Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland entrance fee.
- Hobbiton movie set tour
- Taupo Huka Falls Jet
- Transfer to/from Tongariro Crossing.
- Waitomo Adventures Lost World
- Cathedral Cove Kayaking
Cancellation policy
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 45 days or more before the start of the tour, the cancellation fee will be equivalent to the deposit paid
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 30 to 45 days before the start of the tour the cancellation fee shall be 25% of the contract price
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 7 to 30 days before the start of the tour the cancellation fee shall be 50% of the contract price
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 7 days or less before the start of the tour the cancellation fee shall be 100% of the contract price
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