Privately Guided North Island Journey Itinerary

Group of tourists exploring Auckland's Eastern Bays

Your Private Driver/Guide

When you touch down in New Zealand you will be met at the airport by Your Private Driver/Guide. 

Our guides have been with us for a long time and are seasoned professionals. Our aim is to give ‘you’ our guests a memorable experience of New Zealand and its stunning scenery. With years of experience in tourism in New Zealand, we guarantee that you will receive a first-class service!

The best part about our guides is that they are local and chances are they have their go-to destinations that only locals know about. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, a favourite local pub, or a fantastic attraction that most tourists overlook, our guides can help recommend authentic experiences that you may not discover on your own.

Private Guides for First Light Travel

1

Auckland

Begin your New Zealand adventure in Auckland. After your airport transfer, enjoy free time to relax or discover the highlights of the 'City of Sails'.

Inclusions at a glance:

  • Private airport transfer
  • Explore Auckland at your leisure
  • 2 nights in Auckland

Make it yours
Elevate your Auckland experience with a visit to the iconic Sky Tower, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the City of Sails

Suggested Accommodation: 

Auckland War Memorial Museum
Accommodation:
A contemporary hotel for the curious, the explorers and those who thrive on new experiences. Functionally chic, this contemporary hotel features 190 rooms and suites designed for all travellers, overlooking the vibrant Princes Wharf that is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.
M Social Auckland

2

Waiheke Island

Travel by ferry to Waiheke Island for a private food and wine experience. Enjoy premium tastings at select vineyards, savour a gourmet lunch featuring local produce, and explore the island’s celebrated culinary offerings.

Inclusions at a glance:

  • Breakfast, lunch
  • Return Waiheke Island ferry
  • Private gourmet food & wine tour
  • 1 night in Auckland

 

Private Gourmet Food & Wine Tour

3

Auckland to Hahei

Enjoy a scenic drive from Auckland to Hahei with your private driver-guide. On arrival, spend time discovering the village’s stunning beaches, coastal scenery, and relaxed atmosphere.

Inclusions at a glance:

  • Breakfast
  • Private driver guide
  • Hot Water Beach
  • 2 nights in Hahei

Approximate Distance: 180 kms | 112 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins


Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your perfect New Zealand escape.

Suggested Accommodation: 

Hahei Beach
Accommodation:
11 Cosy wooden cottages with leadlight windows and French doors opening onto sunny verandas and beautiful gardens, scattered throughout 1.5 acres of native bush and gardens with all cottages landscaped for their individual peace and privacy with a range of unique self-catering accommodation options. Onsite a reconstructed 1916 Methodist Church is an independently run restaurant offering our guests to Hahei an unique and tasty dining experience.
The Church

4

Hahei

Set off from Hahei on a scenic boat journey along New Zealand’s stunning coastline to the iconic Cathedral Cove. Glide past pristine beaches, and hidden coves while taking in one of the Coromandel’s most spectacular natural landmarks.

Inclusions at a glance:

  • Breakfast
  • Cathedral Cove Boat Tour
  • Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Explore the Coromandel coastline further with a guided sea kayaking experience.

Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

5

Hahei to Taupō

Set off from Hahei with your private driver-guide on a picturesque journey to Taupō. Arrive in this lakeside town, famed for the shimmering waters of Lake Taupō, the mighty Huka Falls, and nearby geothermal wonders.

Inclusions at a glance:

  • Breakfast
  • Private driver guide
  • 2 nights in Taupō

Make it yours
Enhance your stay with a relaxing geothermal hot pool experience, perfect for unwinding after a day on the road.

Approximate Distance: 265 kms | 165 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins


Suggested Accommodation: 

Lake Taupo
Accommodation:
Located on the lakefront of Lake Taupō, our self-contained, serviced, motel accommodation has a range of studios and one bedroom units. Take in the spectacular views or take a swim in their pool on those hot summer days. The Reef Resort is a great base to stay and explore all the Taupo region has to offer.
Reef Resort Taupo

6

Taupō

Begin your day with a scenic floatplane flight over Lake Taupō and the volcanic heart of the North Island. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of Mount Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park, and the dramatic volcanic landscapes below.

Inclusions at a glance:

  • Breakfast
  • Scenic floatplane flight
  • Lakes Taupō, Blue & Emerald 
  • Mounts Ruapehu, Ngaruhoe & Tongariro
  • 2 nights in Taupō
Taupos Floatplane

7

Taupō to Martinborough

Depart Taupō with your private driver-guide for a scenic journey to Martinborough. Travel through rolling countryside before arriving in the heart of the Wairarapa wine region, known for its vineyards and relaxed country atmosphere.

Inclusions at a glance:

  • Breakfast
  • Private driver-guide
  • Explore at your leisure
  • 1 night in Martinborough

Approximate Distance: 375 kms | 235 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours

Suggested Accommodation: 

Martinborough Wine Country

Escape to Brackenridge Country Retreat & Spa, a serene haven set amidst the rolling hills of the Wairarapa countryside. Enjoy luxurious accommodation, unwind in the tranquil spa, and explore beautifully landscaped gardens and walking trails. Indulge in gourmet dining experiences featuring local flavours, or simply relax with a book on your private terrace. Perfect for couples, solo travellers, or small groups seeking rest and rejuvenation, Brackenridge offers a peaceful retreat from the everyday, blending comfort, nature, and personalised service for an unforgettable country escape.

Brackenridge Country Retreat & Spa

8

Martinborough to Wellington

Travel through the scenic Wairarapa countryside en route to Wellington, arriving in New Zealand’s vibrant capital. Explore the harbour, waterfront, cafés, and cultural attractions at your own pace.

Inclusions at a glance:

  • Breakfast
  • Explore at your leisure
  • 2 nights in Wellington

Approximate Distance: 85 kms | 53 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Wellington Harbour
Ohtel Wellington is a stylish boutique hotel on Oriental Parade in Wellington’s scenic Oriental Bay, overlooking the waterfront and marina. It offers individually designed rooms with mid‑century inspired décor and a relaxed, contemporary vibe, perfect for both leisure and city stays. The hotel is within walking distance of major attractions like Te Papa Museum, lively restaurants, bars, and entertainment, making it an ideal base for exploring Wellington’s culture and harbour views.
Othel

9

Wellington

Wellington blends urban energy with natural beauty. Wander lively streets filled with cafés, galleries, and boutiques, visit the harbourfront, or simply soak up the atmosphere of New Zealand’s creative capital.

Inclusions at a glance:

  • Breakfast
  • Explore Wellington at leisure

Make it yours
Enjoy your final full day in Wellington with a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, bringing your exploration of the country’s culture and heritage to a close.

Wellington City

10

Wellington

“Haere rā” and farewell from New Zealand! Transfer to Wellington Airport for your onward journey, concluding an unforgettable adventure filled with world-class dining, coastal beauty, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant city life.

Inclusions at a glance:

  • Breakfast
  • Private airport transfer


Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a journey to Aotearoa, New Zealand that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.

bon voyage toast

Profile picture for user Elizabeth
What Elizabeth says about this tour: Relax and enjoy this privately guided North Island journey, with a flexible itinerary to suit your interests. I love how it blends scenic landscapes, charming towns, and local experiences with a seamless, effortless pace, offering comfort, culture, and memorable moments throughout your New Zealand adventure.
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Pricing terms

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price