8 Day Northern Discovery 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 - 1 Night

Today is full of adventure - after collecting your rental vehicle following the highway, venture north over the Harbour Bridge and up to the Hibiscus Coast. Take a stroll among majestic kauri trees and discover Northland's largest city, Whangarei. Your journey extends all the way to the Bay of Islands - a marine wonderland brimming with unique sights and wildlife.

Approximate Distance: 227 km | 141 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Paihia - 2 Nights

This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, and for good reason! Board your cruise in Paihia or Russell and take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the 'Hole in the Rock'. This four-hour cruise includes an island stopover, dolphin viewing and the Hole in the Rock. Morning cruises depart daily and afternoon cruises are give you the chance to relax or explore at leisure during the afternoon.

This morning you will have the opportunity to relax in the Bay of Islands, perhaps you may want to travel over to historic Russell, New Zealand’s first capital. This afternoon make your way down through Northland’s lush farmland scenery and past the sprawling suburbs of the North Shore of Auckland. 

Approximate Distance: 227 km | 141 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Today you will travel south to Waitomo where we will explore the fascinating life of the glow worms. After the tour concludes, we continue onto Rotorua, where we go on to explore the beautiful Redwood Forest at night. Suspended high above the forest floor, enjoy the walk which includes eco-suspended bridges and platforms that are intricately designed to honour and accentuate the stunning natural environment of the redwoods. 

Approximate Distance: 328 km | 204 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Sitting squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire - Rotorua is a geothermal spectacular. At the midway point between Rotorua and Taupo - stop at the  New Zealand's most colourful volcanic area at Wai-O-Tapu. Enjoy unique volcanic features while walking well defined trails at your own pace, the earths crust at its most exciting and accessible, the smell of sulphur and sight of steaming vents invade the senses. But Rotorua is more than boiling mud, there are ancient forests set amongst prisitine lakes, and the area is steeped in the history and tikanga (culture) of Maori, the First People of New Zealand. This evening, explore the wonders of the Maori Culture a traditional Hāngī dinner and performance. 

Included Meals: Dinner 

The Thermal Explorer Highway guides you to the Central North Island and the largest body of freshwater in the Southern Hemisphere - Lake Taupo. follow its shores south and climb up to the spectacular Desert Road into the Tongariro National Park where a dramatic alpine vista unfolds, crowned by the imposing volcanic peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngaruahoe. Continue along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington.

Approximate Distance: 450 km | 280 miles  Total Driving Time: 6 hours

Accommodation: Wellington - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

Today we say farewell to newfound friends. Drop your car at Wellington Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.