New Zealand's North Island: Auckland, Rotorua, Napier & Wellington
Road trip around North Island!
Experience the incredible sites and scenery of New Zealand's North Island! This 8-night, self-drive vacation takes you through Auckland's city center, the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the greenery of the Hobbiton movie sets, spectacular Te Puia geothermal park, and so much more! Enjoy overnight stays in Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, and Wellington along the way. With your own personal rental car and a perfectly planned itinerary, all you have to do is get ready to go!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Auckland (AKL), out of Wellington (WLG)
- Airport transfer upon arrival
- 2 nights in Auckland at the Grand Millennium Hotel, or similar
- Automatic rental car for 7 days- includes unlimited mileage, insurance, and GPS
- Pickup Auckland city center and drop-off at Wellington airport
- Auckland city tour with admission to Sky Tower (half-day)
- Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour
- Barbecue lunch at a local farm
- Visit to Matamata with tour of Hobbiton movie sets
- 2 nights in Rotorua at the Rydges Hotel, or similar
- Visit to the Rotorua Agrodome
- Admissions to the Rainbow Springs and Te Puia geothermal park
- Hangi traditional dinner & show
- 2 nights in Napier at the Scenic Te Pania Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Wellington at the Novotel Hotel Wellington, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
Great Ways to Explore
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Auckland is filled with amazing attractions, including the Sky Tower and War Memorial!
Experience the unique Waitomo Glowworm Caves, with thousands of glowworms illuminated!
-
Tour the Hobbiton movie sets!
-
Visit the Rotorua Agrodome to learn more about New Zealand's livestock!
-
Visit the incredible Te Puia geothermal park for a peaceful and relaxing experience!
This vacation package combines cityscapes and natural beauty during 8 nights of travel! Begin with a few days in Auckland, where you'll experience the city through a sightseeing tour. Pick up your rental car and drive to Rotorua! On the way, stop in Waitomo and Matamata for two incredible tours! First, you'll visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a truly unique experience. Then in Matamata, you'll tour the Hobbiton movie sets!
Spend a few nights in Rotorua. During your time here, you'll visit the Rotorua Agrodome, Rainbow Springs, and Te Puia geothermal park! You'll also experience the Maori culture through a Hangi dinner and show!
Continue on to Napier and Wellington for the second part of your trip. Napier is known as the Art Deco city, and Wellington is the capital of New Zealand! Each of these cities is unique and offers incredible cultural, historic, and culinary experiences! Be sure to try New Zealand delicacies along the way, including crayfish, Hokey Pokey ice cream, and Jaffas!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Auckland (AKL), out of Wellington (WLG)
- Airport transfer upon arrival
- 2 nights in Auckland at the Grand Millennium Hotel, or similar
- Automatic rental car for 7 days- includes unlimited mileage, insurance, and GPS
- Pickup Auckland city center and drop-off at Wellington airport
- Auckland city tour with admission to Sky Tower (half-day)
- Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour
- Barbecue lunch at a local farm
- Visit to Matamata with tour of Hobbiton movie sets
- 2 nights in Rotorua at the Rydges Hotel, or similar
- Visit to the Rotorua Agrodome
- Admissions to the Rainbow Springs and Te Puia geothermal park
- Hangi traditional dinner & show
- 2 nights in Napier at the Scenic Te Pania Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Wellington at the Novotel Hotel Wellington, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
-
Auckland is filled with amazing attractions, including the Sky Tower and War Memorial!
Experience the unique Waitomo Glowworm Caves, with thousands of glowworms illuminated!
-
Tour the Hobbiton movie sets!
-
Visit the Rotorua Agrodome to learn more about New Zealand's livestock!
-
Visit the incredible Te Puia geothermal park for a peaceful and relaxing experience!
This vacation package combines cityscapes and natural beauty during 8 nights of travel! Begin with a few days in Auckland, where you'll experience the city through a sightseeing tour. Pick up your rental car and drive to Rotorua! On the way, stop in Waitomo and Matamata for two incredible tours! First, you'll visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a truly unique experience. Then in Matamata, you'll tour the Hobbiton movie sets!
Spend a few nights in Rotorua. During your time here, you'll visit the Rotorua Agrodome, Rainbow Springs, and Te Puia geothermal park! You'll also experience the Maori culture through a Hangi dinner and show!
Continue on to Napier and Wellington for the second part of your trip. Napier is known as the Art Deco city, and Wellington is the capital of New Zealand! Each of these cities is unique and offers incredible cultural, historic, and culinary experiences! Be sure to try New Zealand delicacies along the way, including crayfish, Hokey Pokey ice cream, and Jaffas!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Auckland!
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, as you begin to explore Auckland!
Transfer from Auckland Airport to hotel
Check-in - Grand Millennium Auckland
Located in the vibrant heart of Auckland, the Grand Millennium boasts chic decor, luxurious rooms, and endless amenities. With its amazing location, you'll be steps from the city's finest dining, shopping, and entertainment venues! Upon arrival, check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, and admire the hotel's stylish interior.
Head up to your room and open the door to free WiFi, comfortable beds, flat-screen TV, and much more! Unpack your swimsuit and make a splash in the pool, or lace up your sneakers and work out in the fitness center. In the mood for a cocktail? Treat yourself to a drink at the posh Atrium Bar! When you work up an appetite, choose from either onsite restaurant: the Grand Millennium Brasserie or Katsura Japanese Restaurant.
Day 2. Auckland
Today, you will pick up your rental car from the Auckland city center. After, you will experience Auckland through a city tour! This tour includes admission to the Sky Tower.
After the tour, spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Auckland city tour with admission to Sky Tower (half-day)
Experience the best of Auckland's city highlights with a half-day scenic tour, followed by a trip up the famous Auckland Sky Tower! Travel around the city centre and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge with its stunning views of the harbour and city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour and Auckland's famous Queen Street, and enjoy the lush grounds of the Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park. Your tour will pause for morning tea (own expense) in charming Parnell Village, where historic buildings house an interesting range of boutique shops. The tour continues along the waterfront to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, named after a much-respected Prime Minister of New Zealand. With panoramic views of the harbour and beautiful formal gardens, it's a great spot to take photos. After a scenic trip back along Tamaki Drive to the city, arrive at Auckland's Sky Tower, the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand at 328 metres high. Prepare yourself for breathtaking 360 degree views from the observation deck of this Auckland landmark. On a clear day you'll be able to gaze as far as 80 kilometres in all directions – it's the perfect way to get to know the city of Auckland and its surroundings.
Please note there is no hotel drop-off service following the Sky Tower. You are at leisure to spend as much time at the Sky Tower as you wish.
Day 3. Auckland - Waitomo - Matamata - Rotorua
This morning, you will depart Auckland for Rotorua. Your first stop along the way is Waitomo! Here, you will enjoy a tour of the Glowworm Caves! Next, you will drive to a local farm for a BBQ lunch. Take a moment here to appreciate the local, rural way of living!
After, you will head to Matamata for a tour of the Hobbiton movie sets! Your final stop is Rotorua, where you will check in to your hotel.
Check-in - Rydges Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua features stunning views over the city and the nearby Arawa Rasecourse. Guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, coffee/tea making facilities, and television. Atrium Restaurant features modern and classic cuisine. Sip a cocktail at Mezz Bar, head to the fitness center for a workout, or walk to the nearby shops and cafes!
Visit to Matamata with tour of Hobbiton movie sets
Discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland! Located near Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand is the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Take a fascinating two-hour guided tour through the movie sets as you experience the magic for yourself!
Day 4. Rotorua
Today, you will visit the Rotorua Agrodome to learn more about New Zealand livestock. Next, you will visit Rainbow Springs, a trout sanctuary. Then, you'll visit Te Puia, a geothermal park. Tonight, a Hangi dinner and concert are included!
Visit to the Rotorua Agrodome
The Agrodome is a complex where we could learn more about New Zealand livestock including sheep, cattle and others. The stars of the show are not only the sheep but the farm dogs which will demonstrate their ability to respond to commands and keep the stock under their control. You may also feed the lambs or even milk a cow.
Admissions to the Rainbow Springs and Te Puia geothermal park
Set in 22 acres of beautiful native trees and streams, Rainbow Springs is home to a huge variety of New Zealand’s most precious inhabitants. Experience the adrenaline rush of The Big Splash, explore the many free flight aviaries, come face to face with pre-history in the eyes of the tuatara, and experience the wonder of the bird show featuring some of the funniest feathered performers you will ever see.
Then, wander through Te Puia, New Zealand’s Maori Culture Centre, where you will have the opportunity to view the awesome power of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, and much more.
Hangi traditional dinner & show
An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Enter the world of Mitai. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream, and don’t miss your only opportunity in the Rotorua area to see glow worms in their natural habitat. Marvel at the crystal clear water full of eels and trout, flowing directly from the earth at the sacred Fairy Spring. See your traditionally cooked hangi meal being lifted from the ground. During our cultural performance, you’ll learn about our past, carvings and ta moko (tattoo art). Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat, coupled with the grace and beauty of the poi dance. You’ll be amazed by the spine tingling haka finale. The Mitai family is proud to have created a sacred and spiritual place that offers you an indigenous cultural experience like no other.
Day 5. Rotorua - Taupo - Napier
This morning, depart Rotorua and head for Napier. Along the way, consider a stop at the famous Huka Falls or a visit to the Wairakei Geothermal Plant. Your final destination today is Napier. Check into your hotel and begin to explore!
Check-in - Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Located right on picturesque Marine Parade, the stunning Scenic Hotel Te Pania offers comfortable rooms, luxurious amenities, and breathtaking views. After checking in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, head up to your bright, spacious room. Open the door and find flat-screen satellite TV, free WiFi, plush bedding, and much more!
Consider a meal at the onsite Exchange Brasserie, which boasts beautiful views and a locally sourced menu. Why not unwind with a drink from the bar? When you're ready to explore, take a quick 2-minute walk to Napier's scenic Art Deco-style main street!
Day 6. Napier
Today is a free day to explore the city of Napier! It is known as the Art Deco city of New Zealand. Stroll along the streets to discover the beautiful architecture, find a cafe to grab a cup of coffee, and continue to explore independently!
Day 7. Napier - Wellington
Say goodbye to Napier this morning and drive to Wellington. Check into your hotel, freshen up, and begin to explore another incredible city!
Check-in - Novotel Wellington
Crisp, clean, contemporary, and comfortable, Novotel Wellington is the perfect home away from home. Just steps from Lambton Quay Cable Car Station, this beautiful hotel positions you in an outstanding location for exploring Wellington. After you check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, head up to your room. Open the door to plush bedding, stylish decor, crisp air conditioning, luxurious bath amenities, WiFi access, and much more!
Once you get settled, work all your stresses away in the fitness center. When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal at the onsite Caucus restaurant! Then, unwind the day away with a smooth cocktail from the Caucus bar.
Day 8. Wellington
Today is a full day at leisure in Wellington! The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington has much to offer in the way of coffee, culture, and cuisine! Take an Epicurean tour, visit the Te Papa Museum, or bird watch in Zelandia. The opportunities are endless!
Day 9. Depart New Zealand
Today, you will return your rental car to Wellington Airport and catch your flight home!