North Island Luxury Self Drive Tour Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand.

Situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, Auckland is a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. It straddles a slim piece of land with the coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea.

After checking into your hotel, relax and stretch your legs with a stroll around our beautiful city. Explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available for a more in-depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area. Visit the iconic Sky Tower, join a whale and dolphin cruise, visit nearby Waiheke or Rangitoto Island.

Accommodation: Auckland - 2 Nights

Just 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland, across the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island seems a million miles away in pace and beauty.

On this tour, you will visit three of Waiheke's premier vineyards and sample a variety of their exquisite wines. As you travel between vineyards, enjoy a guided scenic drive with insightful commentary on the Island's history, geography, people, and culture from your knowledgeable local guide. After your wine tasting experience, unwind with a delicious lunch and a glass of Waiheke wine or beer at Three Seven Two, an acclaimed restaurant awarded one Hat in the latest Cuisine Good Food Awards, located on the picturesque Onetangi beachfront. Finally, you'll be taken back to the ferry, completing a memorable day of wine and exploration.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

An exciting day awaits this morning. Collect your rental car and journey to the emerald pastures and rolling hills of The Shire, where Hobbiton was brought to life on a private farm in Matamata. This idyllic village blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Set to the scale of a 3ft Hobbit you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a magical world of smoking chimneys, bluebells, and the Green Dragon Inn. Visit Bag End as well as the other 43 Hobbit Holes on this fully guided 2.5hr Hobbiton tour. Learn about the production of the movies – how did they make Gandalf appear so tall? Why was this exact site chosen to build Hobbiton? The passion and knowledge gleaned from your guide bring this authentic Middle-earth experience to life.

Continue your journey on to the geothermal city of Rotorua.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 252 kms | 157 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Gian a unique, birds' eye perspective of the forest below and treetops above on this award-winning, eco-tourism walk. The walk is 700 metres long, spans across 28 suspension bridges with the height of the walkway ranging between 9-20 metres.

This afternoon you will be guided through the greenstone, wood carving and flax weaving schools at the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pā, Kiwi Conservation Centre and Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley. Then your authentic evening begins with a ritual welcome which will include a challenge by fierce warriors, then relax and enjoy a performance of songs, haka and poi dance before enjoying traditional food. Following dessert, you will enjoy the spectacular lighting of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Guests can wander around the illuminated natural attractions, including Pohutu Geyser.

Included Meals: Dinner

View the mighty Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal project before stopping at Lake Taupo, the largest in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, often regarded as the world's Art Deco Capital. On arrival, enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the city.

Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco- the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area.  Napier is the world’s finest example of the Art Deco age and your guide will bring Napier's fascinating architecture to life for you as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre.

Approximate Distance: 240 kms | 149 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

This tour is ideal for both casual enthusiasts and wine aficionados, offering a chance to connect with fellow wine lovers and savor the exceptional wines of Hawke's Bay. Discover the passion behind each bottle and learn about the region's unique growing conditions. Create unforgettable memories and take home outstanding wines. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the region's finest winery restaurants, followed by a delightful afternoon of wine tasting in the sun, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Visit four to five wineries and indulge in a cheese platter in the enchanting grounds of Ngatarawa Vineyard, nestled beside a tranquil lily pond.

Included Meals: Lunch

Leaving the Hawkes Bay’s vineyards and orchards you are soon travelling through rolling farmland as you drive into the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region.

Stop at historic Greytown to view excellent examples of Victoria colonial architecture. The village has a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants making it one of New Zealand’s premier shopping destinations.  Time for a shop before travelling over the Rimutaka Ranges and down to our capital city Wellington. 

Check out the city's sights and head up Mt Victoria for stunning views over the harbour before heading down to see the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive 'Beehive', and Wellingtons Cathedral. You are staying right in the heart of Wellington's vibrant hub of museums, theatres, galleries, boutiques and cafes.

Approximate Distance: 325 kms | 202 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Wellington is the nation’s capital city. A magnificent landscape of steep-sided hills sits beside a beautiful harbour, and the city itself bustles with a vibrant creative culture. Renowned for its eclectic, arty atmosphere, Wellington is a real kiwi cultural treat and numerous galleries and character-filled shops line its colourful streets. The Museum of New Zealand 'Te Papa' is full of national treasures and sits beside the water in the downtown area of the city centre - well worth a visit. Wellington is also famous for having some of New Zealand's best restaurants - gourmet dining experiences here are truly world-class. Culture, cuisine and scenic beauty abound in New Zealand’s iconic capital.

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We take care of your transfer to Wellington Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.