Legends, Landscapes & Legacies of the North Island Itinerary

Wellington

Begin your New Zealand journey in the creative capital, where colourful laneways, harbour views, and a thriving arts scene create a vibrant introduction to Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Inclusions at a glance:

Seamless airport transfer
Free day at leisure
Wellington waterfront & laneways
3 nights in Wellington

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Adina Citylife Wellington

Citylife Wellington offers modern 4-star accommodation in the heart of Wellington’s trendy shopping area of Lambton Quay and within easy walking distance of tourist attractions and cultural landmarks. Guests can choose between studios with open-plan sleeping and living areas, or larger 1 and 2-bedroom apartments with separate living rooms and kitchens. All rooms include a kitchenette and guests can enjoy the fully equipped fitness centre.

Wellington

Discover Wellington’s iconic sights, from panoramic harbour views aboard the historic Cable Car to the powerful storytelling and interactive exhibits of Te Papa Museum.

Inclusions at a glance:

Wellington Cable Car ride
Panoramic city views
Te Papa Museum entry
Gallipoli exhibition experience

Make it yours
Swap Te Papa for guided Wētā Workshop tour or Zealandia daytime eco-sanctuary experience.

Wellington

Explore the dramatic Kapiti Coast on a full-day journey through rugged coastal scenery, wildlife-rich landscapes, and charming seaside communities.

Inclusions at a glance:

Full-day Kapiti Coast guided tour
Scenic coastal viewpoints
Kapiti Island views
Lunch

Make it yours
Explore Wellington’s cuisine through a private food tour to get a taste of local treasures.

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

Wellington to Napier

Travel north through rolling countryside to the Art Deco capital of Napier, where coastal beauty, acclaimed vineyards, and striking architecture create a unique New Zealand escape.

Inclusions at a glance:

Rental vehicle collection
Scenic Hawke’s Bay drive
Art Deco architecture
2 nights in Napier

Approximate Distance: 325 km | 202 miles Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The Masonic Art Deco - Napier

The Art Deco Masonic Hotel is a historic waterfront boutique hotel in central Napier, known for its striking 1930s Art Deco design. Built during Napier’s major reconstruction period, it reflects the city’s distinctive architectural style and coastal elegance. With refined interiors, ocean views, and a prime location, the hotel blends heritage character with modern comfort, offering guests a unique stay in New Zealand’s Art Deco capital.

Napier

Step back in time as Napier’s fascinating earthquake history and beautifully restored Art Deco streets are brought to life by an expert local guide.

Inclusions at a glance:

Guided Art Deco walking tour
Napier heritage precinct
Earthquake history insights
Coastal city atmosphere

Make it yours
Upgrade your Napier experience with an exclusive winery tasting and lunch, a gannet safari tour at Cape Kidnappers, or a guided e-bike adventure through Hawke’s Bay’s acclaimed wine country.

Napier to Galatea

Journey inland through remote rural landscapes to Kohutapu Lodge, where meaningful Māori connection, lakeside scenery, and authentic cultural experiences await.

Inclusions at a glance:

Scenic inland drive
Overnight Māori cultural experience
Guided tribal lands tour
Hosted dinner & breakfast

Approximate Distance: 250 km | 156 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Kohutapu Lodge

Surrounded by lush farmlands and forestry, Kohutapu Lodge overlooks the pristine Lake Aniwhenua - teeming with Rainbow and Brown trout. Accommodation options range from self-contained cottages to lodge cabins, powered and tent sites – there is something for everyone here! Owned and operated by a local Maori family, we are delighted to share with you our stories, our culture, our kai (food) and the warmth of our manaakitanga (hospitality).

Galatea to Rotorua

Travel through the geothermal heart of the North Island, stopping to explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes and steaming geothermal features of Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

Inclusions at a glance:

Waimangu Volcanic Valley walk
Lake Rotomahana boat cruise
Geothermal landscapes
2 nights in Rotorua

Make it yours
Take your Rotorua experience further with a guided flight over Mount Tarawera, or perhaps Rotorua’s Skyline Gondola and Luge experience.

Approximate Distance: 80 km | 50 miles Total Driving Time: 1 hour

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Regent of Rotorua

Regent of Rotorua is a chic boutique retreat in the heart of the city, just steps from Lake Rotorua and vibrant Eat Street. Blending glamour and comfort, it offers a stylish base for exploring the region’s geothermal wonders and cultural attractions. Guests can unwind in the heated outdoor or indoor thermal pools, enjoy contemporary dining at the Regent Room, and relax with warm, attentive service in a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.

Rotorua

Experience a unique blend of Māori craftsmanship and geothermal wellbeing with an immersive cultural and spa journey in Rotorua.

Inclusions at a glance:

Jade carving tour and demonstration
Māori cultural storytelling
Wai Ariki Hot Springs experience
Geothermal wellness journey

Make it yours
Personalise your stay with a glowworm kayaking adventure on Lake Rotoiti, or a more relaxed guided Whirinaki Forest eco-cultural walk.

Rotorua to Auckland

Travel north through rolling countryside to Auckland, where panoramic skyline views and New Zealand’s legendary rugby history await.

Inclusions at a glance:

Scenic North Island drive
Sky Tower admission
All Blacks Experience
3 nights in Auckland

Make it yours
Stop by to visit the infamous Hobbiton Movie Set tour on your way to Auckland – a must-see experience enjoyed by all ages.

Approximate Distance: 230 km | 143 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart offers stylish, spacious accommodation in a prime city location. Ideal for both short and extended stays, it combines the comfort of apartment living with the convenience of hotel services. Guests enjoy modern interiors, on-site dining, and easy access to shopping, dining and key attractions.

Auckland

Escape to Waiheke Island for a day of boutique vineyards, coastal scenery, and relaxed island charm in the Hauraki Gulf.

Inclusions at a glance:

Return Waiheke Island ferry
Guided wine tour
Boutique vineyard tastings
Coastal island scenery

Auckland

Enjoy a full day to experience Auckland at your own pace, from waterfront dining and galleries to island escapes and hidden neighbourhood gems.

Inclusions at a glance:

Free day at leisure
Viaduct Harbour & waterfront
Shopping & dining precincts
Flexible sightseeing opportunities

Make it yours
Choose a whale and dolphin conservation cruise, a private guided city tour, or the immersive Wētā Workshop film sets!

Auckland to Bay of Islands

Travel north through lush farmland and coastal scenery to the Bay of Islands, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful subtropical regions.

Inclusions at a glance:

Scenic Northland drive
Waitangi Treaty Grounds tour
Māori & colonial history
3 nights in Paihia

Approximate Distance: 230 km | 143 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Admiral View Lodge & Motel

Perched above the Bay of Islands, Admirals View Motel offers sweeping coastal vistas and a peaceful retreat surrounded by subtropical scenery. The lodge provides comfortable, well-appointed accommodation with private balconies that capture stunning views across the harbour and islands. Just a short distance from Paihia’s waterfront, guests can easily access local restaurants, beaches, and departure points for island cruises and cultural experiences. With its relaxed atmosphere and unforgettable outlook, it’s an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty and history of the region.

Bay of Islands

Cruise through the island-dotted waters of the Bay of Islands to the iconic Hole in the Rock, surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery and marine wildlife.

Inclusions at a glance:

Hole in the Rock cruise
Dolphin viewing opportunities
Bay of Islands scenery
Coastal wildlife encounters

Make it yours
Prefer a different adventure? Swap the cruise for a deep-sea fishing charter, scuba diving experience, or a scenic helicopter tour!

Bay of Islands

A full day to relax and enjoy the subtropical beauty of the Bay of Islands, where secluded beaches, waterfront villages, and historic sites await.

Inclusions at a glance:

Free day at leisure
Paihia waterfront atmosphere
Optional Russell ferry visit
Coastal relaxation

Make it yours
Unwind at Waitangi Golf Club, a guided forest walk, or an island & wildlife cruise.

Bay of Islands to Hokianga

Journey to the remote beauty of the Hokianga Harbour, where ancient kauri forests, Māori storytelling, and dramatic landscapes create a deeply atmospheric experience.

Inclusions at a glance:

Scenic Northland drive
Waipoua Forest twilight tour
Māori storytelling experience
2 nights in Hokianga

Make it yours
Enhance your experience by upgrading to a private forest tour and have your own personal guide.

Approximate Distance: 75 km | 47 miles Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The Sands Hotel

The Sands Hotel Hokianga overlooks the stunning Hokianga Harbour. It features 43 rooms and suites, including luxurious villas. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, Bryers Restaurant, and activities like hiking and fishing. Ideal for relaxation or events, the hotel blends coastal charm with modern comfort in a spectacular setting.

Sands Hotel Omapere sand dunes and water view

Hokianga

Discover the stories and voyages that shaped Aotearoa through the immersive Māneā Footprints of Kupe cultural experience.

Inclusions at a glance:

Māneā cultural experience
Māori storytelling & history
Interactive performance journey
Hokianga heritage insights

Hokianga, to Auckland

Travel south through Northland, stopping to explore the fascinating history and legacy of New Zealand’s mighty kauri forests.

Inclusions at a glance:

Matakohe Kauri Museum entry
Historic timber industry exhibits
Scenic Northland drive
Final night in Auckland

Make it yours
Make the most of your trip by adding a gardens and galleries experience in Matakana, or add an evening Auckland Harbour dinner cruise.

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 180 miles Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart

Auckland

Your North Island culture and heritage journey comes to an end, filled with coastal landscapes, Māori traditions, geothermal wonders, and unforgettable experiences.

Inclusions at a glance:

Private airport transfer

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

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

Sunset over the Viaduct Harbour Auckland.

What Elizabeth says about this tour: It’s remarkable to experience such depth of cultural diversity in a relatively young country. This tour is exceptional. From the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, through Napier’s striking Art Deco centres, into the rich Indigenous history and culture of Rotorua, and even a scenic cruise through the Bay of Islands – add in breathtaking scenery at every turn, along with characterful and comfortable accommodation, and you have a truly outstanding North Island journey.

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