8 Day Northern Discovery Itinerary

When you touch down in New Zealand your detailed documentation pack will be hand-delivered by one of our trusted representatives. You'll find everything you need in one handy place: your personalised itinerary, clear instructions and maps, and reservation details for your accommodation and activities.

24 Hour Assistance: We’re just a free phone call away if you encounter any issues while you're on the road - at any time of day or night. Don’t waste your precious vacation time stressing - First Light Travel are here to help you quickly when every second counts.

What's also included?

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Relax you are now officially on holiday and everything has been taken care of! We will meet you at the airport and drive you directly to your hotel to freshen up and unwind. Make the most of some free leisure time in the 'City of Sails' - simply relax or take this opportunity to explore the many sights of Auckland. 

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

Today is full of adventure - after collecting your rental car 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: Bay of Islands - 2 Nights

Experience the stunning Bay of Islands your way – today is a whole day of leisure and the freedom to explore as you wish. A subtropical wonderland of secluded bays, islands and history, the Bay of Islands is a coastal paradise.

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.

Excursions available after your morning Dolphin Cruise.

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

Collect the rental car this morning we 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 Hangi dinner and performance. 

Meals: Dinner 

Recommended excursions in and around Rotorua:

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: 5 hours 45 mins

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.

Highlights

• Cruise through ‘Hole in the Rock’ in the Bay of Islands
• Cruise through Waitomo’s famous Glowworm Grotto
• Experience Maori culture with the Tamaki family over dinner
• Explore the scenery of Tongariro National Park
• Discover Wellington 
• Airport transfers on arrival

Inclusions

• Hand picked accommodation
• 24 Hour Support - We are with you all the way!