North Island Classic

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North Island Classic

from £1,796 excluding flights

  • 13 nights
  • Year round

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Highlights

In pictures
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Experience sub-tropical Northland and the Bay of Islands

Maori Marae at Ohinemutu

Uncover Rotorua's deep-rooted Maori culture

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Walk picturesque trails on the forest-fringed Coromandel Peninsula

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Choose to hike through volcanic landscapes on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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Visit the hidden thermal valley of Orakei Korako

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Explore the picturesque wineries of Hawke's Bay

Why this trip...

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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

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Explore at leisure

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

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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.

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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.

Day 6 exploring the Coromandel

Spend the day experiencing the very best this wonderful region has to offer. Renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and lush flora, the Coromandel is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to slow down, relax and unwind.

Spend the day experiencing the very best this wonderful region has to offer. Renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and lush flora, the Coromandel is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to slow down, relax and unwind.

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Day 7 Pauanui - Rotoura (180 km)

Drive south, either following the coast road via Tauranga or inland via the interesting towns of Paeroa and Te Aroha, towards the active geo-thermal heartland of Rotorua. This evening make your way to the Mitai Maori Village to join an evening of traditional culture and food. Witness a haka, enjoy a hangi feast and watch out for the glow worms that sparkle in this natural bush setting.

Drive south, either following the coast road via Tauranga or inland via the interesting towns of Paeroa and Te Aroha, towards the active geo-thermal heartland of Rotorua. This evening make your way to the Mitai Maori Village to join an evening of traditional culture and food. Witness a haka, enjoy a hangi feast and watch out for the glow worms that sparkle in this natural bush setting.

Day 8 exploring around Rotorua

Discover the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Lake Rotomahana on a self guided walk and boat cruise. You can explore the world's youngest geothermal valley at your own pace along the beautiful walking trails, woven through a natural geothermal ecosystem. Walks vary in length from 1.5kms - 4.5kms, covering a range of geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. The trail leads you down to the lake, where you can complete the experience with a relaxing 45 minute boat cruise around Lake Rotomahana, the final resting place of the Pink & White Terraces.

Discover the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Lake Rotomahana on a self guided walk and boat cruise. You can explore the world's youngest geothermal valley at your own pace along the beautiful walking trails, woven through a natural geothermal ecosystem. Walks vary in length from 1.5kms - 4.5kms, covering a range of geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. The trail leads you down to the lake, where you can complete the experience with a relaxing 45 minute boat cruise around Lake Rotomahana, the final resting place of the Pink & White Terraces.

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Day 9 Rotorua - Tongariro National Park (151 km)

Witness the superb and dramatic scenery of North Island's heartland. En route to Tongariro National Park enjoy a visit to Orakei Korako geothermal area (also known as “The Hidden Valley”), situated on the Waikato River at Lake Ohakuri. Even with two thirds of the original geothermal area covered by an artificial lake, Orakei Korako is still New Zealand’s largest geyser field and one of the country’s must-see natural attractions. Make your way on to Ruapehu, a snow-capped volcano surrounded by desert like lava and ash.

Witness the superb and dramatic scenery of North Island's heartland. En route to Tongariro National Park enjoy a visit to Orakei Korako geothermal area (also known as “The Hidden Valley”), situated on the Waikato River at Lake Ohakuri. Even with two thirds of the original geothermal area covered by an artificial lake, Orakei Korako is still New Zealand’s largest geyser field and one of the country’s must-see natural attractions. Make your way on to Ruapehu, a snow-capped volcano surrounded by desert like lava and ash.

Day 10 exploring Tongariro National Park

You may like to spend the day hiking the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks and a one-day classic. Alternatively spend time more leisurely and explore the striking volcanic landscapes.

You may like to spend the day hiking the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks and a one-day classic. Alternatively spend time more leisurely and explore the striking volcanic landscapes.

Hiking the Tongariro Crossing
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Day 11 Tongariro National Park - Napier (204 km)

Continue your journey down to Napier, New Zealand's Art Deco capital set in the heart of Hawke's Bay wine country. With a feast of Art Deco architecture, the city was rebuilt in the early 1930s following a massive earthquake. Subsequent fires destroyed most of its commercial heart. By the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe and nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco - in such a concentrated area.

Continue your journey down to Napier, New Zealand's Art Deco capital set in the heart of Hawke's Bay wine country. With a feast of Art Deco architecture, the city was rebuilt in the early 1930s following a massive earthquake. Subsequent fires destroyed most of its commercial heart. By the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe and nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco - in such a concentrated area.

Day 12 exploring Napier

Enjoy a full day at leisure today, perhaps take a guided walking tour of this fascinating Art Deco city, visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers on an overland safari or alternatively spend time at leisure exploring the wineries the region is renowned for.

Enjoy a full day at leisure today, perhaps take a guided walking tour of this fascinating Art Deco city, visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers on an overland safari or alternatively spend time at leisure exploring the wineries the region is renowned for.

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Day 13 Napier - Wellington (327 km)

Depart Napier and make your way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city offering an unforgettable urban experience in a stunning natural setting. Set between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, this compact city has great shopping, professional theatre, memorable arts, culture and heritage and great cafes and restaurants all close to untouched nature spots. Central Wellington itself is only 2 kilometres in diameter and you can walk from one side to the other in under 20 minutes.

Depart Napier and make your way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city offering an unforgettable urban experience in a stunning natural setting. Set between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, this compact city has great shopping, professional theatre, memorable arts, culture and heritage and great cafes and restaurants all close to untouched nature spots. Central Wellington itself is only 2 kilometres in diameter and you can walk from one side to the other in under 20 minutes.

Day 14 depart Wellington

Drop off your rental vehicle at the airport depot today and depart.

Drop off your rental vehicle at the airport depot today and depart.

Accommodation Options

We have selected properties for this holiday in a mix of hotels and motels. However, with a wide choice of accommodation in New Zealand, we can change to suit your personal preference mixing different grades and styles.

Discuss your options with our Travel Specialists.

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.

Meet our expert

nordic team bruno kaufmann bw
One of our specialists
Meet Bruno

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