North Island Classic

North Island Classic
from £1,796 excluding flights
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Highlights

Experience sub-tropical Northland and the Bay of Islands

Uncover Rotorua's deep-rooted Maori culture

Walk picturesque trails on the forest-fringed Coromandel Peninsula

Choose to hike through volcanic landscapes on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Visit the hidden thermal valley of Orakei Korako

Explore the picturesque wineries of Hawke's Bay
Why this trip...

Tailor made
This itinerary can be tailor made to suit you and is intended to give you a guideline of what is possible in a given timeframe

Explore at leisure
With the route, transport and accommodation sorted, each day offers the freedom to explore

Activities included
This itinerary features a range of included activities
Overview
Explore the wonderfully lush scenery of New Zealand's North Island on this two-week self drive taking in the magnificent Bay of Islands in Northland and the geothermal and rugged landscapes of Rotorua and Tongariro National Park. Combined with the superb beaches and rainforest of the Coromandel, the richness of Maori culture and the wonderful wineries of Hawke's Bay this itinerary showcases the very best highlights at a leisurely pace.
Focusing entirely on the North Island this 14-day itinerary incorporates some of the most dramatically scenic areas in the country as well as New Zealand's soft side.
Starting in Auckland, drive to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands before exploring the wonderful lush landscape of the Coromandel, the geo-thermal heartland of Rotorua and the magnificent scenery of Tongariro National Park. En route to the capital city of Wellington enjoy time in picturesque Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's second largest wine region.
Speak to our team about combining with our 14-day South Island Explorer itinerary for a comprehensive New Zealand experience.
Itinerary
The itinerary shown is an example of this self-drive holiday. We have a wide choice of hotels and a variety of route recommendations which can be tailored to your requirements. Please discuss with our Travel Specialists who can put together a bespoke itinerary for you.
Day 1 arrive in Auckland
Fly into Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the city for an overnight stay.
Fly into Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the city for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Auckland - Paihia, Bay of Islands (227 km)
Collect your rental car and travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Stretching 350km north from Auckland, Northland is New Zealand’s only sub-tropical region and with its above average sunshine record and glorious beaches, it is popular with locals as well as visitors. In the afternoon you may like to take a boat trip out into the bay, or enjoy some free time to explore and relax.
Collect your rental car and travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Stretching 350km north from Auckland, Northland is New Zealand’s only sub-tropical region and with its above average sunshine record and glorious beaches, it is popular with locals as well as visitors. In the afternoon you may like to take a boat trip out into the bay, or enjoy some free time to explore and relax.
Day 3 exploring the Bay of Islands
Spend the day leisurely exploring the area. You might like to enjoy a full day sailing adventure with the opportunity to witness wild dolphins.
Spend the day leisurely exploring the area. You might like to enjoy a full day sailing adventure with the opportunity to witness wild dolphins.



Day 4 Bay of Islands - Orewa (196 km)
Leave Paihia at your leisure today and travel to Orewa, lying on the Hibiscus Coast, just north of the base of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and 40 kms north of central Auckland.
Leave Paihia at your leisure today and travel to Orewa, lying on the Hibiscus Coast, just north of the base of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and 40 kms north of central Auckland.
Day 5 Orewa - Pauanui, Coromandel Peninsula (184 km)
Depart Orewa and drive to the beautiful Coromandel. Separated from Auckland by the broad Firth of Thames, this verdant peninsula comprises a forested backbone of mountains separating the precipitous west coast from the coves and white sand beaches of the east.
Depart Orewa and drive to the beautiful Coromandel. Separated from Auckland by the broad Firth of Thames, this verdant peninsula comprises a forested backbone of mountains separating the precipitous west coast from the coves and white sand beaches of the east.
Excursions
Prices and Departures
Price from £1,796 excluding flights
Airfares start from around £825 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price.
When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.
What's Included
- Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
- Car rental throughout
- Private airport transfer on arrival
- Mitai Maori Village experience
- Waimangu Valley self guided walk and boat cruise
- Orakei Korako geothermal valley
- 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
- No surcharge guarantee
- Full financial protection
This itinerary starts from £1,796 per person, based on 2 sharing a room in standard accommodation, and vehicle rental with GPS.
- Prices may vary depending on departure date, or should you prefer alternative categories of accommodation or vehicle size.
- Contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates, vehicle category and style of accommodation, or to tailor this itinerary.
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Tailor made trips
As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.
Find a holiday idea or suggested itinerary that inspires you, then send an enquiry or call us
Your dedicated travel specialist will create a quote based on your preferences
Together we’ll refine your itinerary until you’re happy and ready to book
From the moment you book until you return home we’re here for you no matter what