The Self Drive North Island Adventurer Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland! Today is a day to relax from your flight after you are transferred to your accommodation. Auckland is situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. 

Take a stroll around our beautiful city, explore the highly acclaimed viaduct or choose one of the many activities available to give a more in depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and make your way North. This sub-tropical region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays, and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. It is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites in New Zealand. 

Visit Waitangi, New Zealand's most important historic site. Discover the world's largest ceremonial war canoe, learn about Māori history and listen to their stories. A guided tour over the grounds will introduce you to the rich history of this site before you enjoy a cultural performance in the majestic, carved meeting house. In summer you can also immerse yourself in Māori culture by joining an evening cultural performance alongside a traditional Hāngī in the environment of the Treaty Grounds.

Approximate Distance: 230 kms | 133 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins
​
Accommodation: Paihia - 2 Nights

Experience the magic of the R.Tucker Thompson, a stunning tall ship that looks like she has sailed straight from the nineteenth century. With her upswept bow and full sails, she glides boldly through the seas, creating a breathtaking sight. Imagine the thrill of seeing her majestic sails rise above the horizon before you even catch a glimpse of the ship -- it's a romantic experience like no other. As she approaches, the sight of her wind-filled sails evokes feelings of awe and wonder. This gaff-rigged, square tops' schooner invites you to spend a day exploring the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Included Meals: Morning Tea, Lunch

Matakana is the home of artists, writers, craftspeople and others seeking lifestyle changes. Recent development has given a new face to the locality. On Saturday the vibrant farmer's market is a focal point for locals and growers to meet. Matakana is surrounded by an area of diverse attractions - beautiful white beaches, Goat Island marine reserve, Tawharanui Park bird sanctuary, native forest with Kawau Island and the majestic Little Barrier directly offshore. Slow down and enjoy what Matakana has to offer...

Approximate Distance: 180 kms | 112 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Matakana - 1 Night

The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf. An impressive, heavily forested mountain range runs right up the middle of this peninsula - it’s bordered on each side by kilometres of spectacular coastline. On the west coast, there’s a never-ending parade of beaches, coves and harbours lined with pohutukawa trees. The eastern side is furnished with an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches. 

The coastal nature of the Coromandel makes it a brilliant choice if you like to fish, surf, dive, snorkelling, swim or wander along beaches. For contrast you can head for the hills and hike the trails in the-forest.

Approximate Distance: 245 kms | 152 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins
​
Accommodation: Hahei - 2 Nights

Cathedral Cove at Hahei is a ‘Blue Lagoon’ fantasy scene and today you will paddle through amazing sea caves, explore offshore islands, snorkel the marine reserve. When conditions & tides allow, we have the option of paddling spectacular volcanic remains rarely seen by other travellers that are littered with caves, tunnels & blowholes. This tour offers great photo opportunities and is topped off with cappuccinos, hot chocolates and cookies on the beach at Cathedral Cove.

If time allows today we recommend travelling further south magical thermal springs bubble up through the sand at the beautiful Hot Water Beach. Dig your own hot pool in the sand and soak in the water.

Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand, is the host to some of the world’s most incredible forces and the Māori cultural centre of New Zealand with a deep-rooted Maori cultural heritage spanning from the 14th century. Surrounded by the unmistakable smell of sulphur, geysers and clouds of steam magically appear around the city giving it an incredible 'other worldly' feel. Here lives wonders like the Pohutu geyser, which erupts 20 times a day and can spout up to 100 feet. The first Māori inhabitant’s constructed villages and made use of the thermal areas boiling water for cooking & warmth. Here you can explore the unique culture of New Zealand’s Māori people.

Approximate Distance: 215 kms | 135 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

The Kaituna River offers the most exhilarating white water rafting in New Zealand and is ranked a grade 4/5 with 15 fast and furious rapids before you hit the highest commercially rafted waterfall known at 7 meters. The flora and exposed geological history provide an equally breathtaking experience as you drift through steep gorges and native bush. 70% of the people trying this have never rafted before - so adventurous beginners are welcome – Yeehaa!!

Today you will make your way to Tongariro National park via Taupō, the largest fresh water lake in Australasia. Make sure to stop at the mighty Huka Falls to see almost a quarter of a million litres of water per second thundering 11m into the Waikato River below.

Established in 1887, Tongariro was the first National Park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage area, a status which recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. It is a place of extremes and surprises, a place to explore and remember. From herb fields to forests, from tranquil lakes to desert-like plateau and active volcanoes - Tongariro has them all.

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

Accommodation: National Park - 2 Nights

The 20.4km (12 mile) Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered to the best hike in New Zealand and deservedly so! Located in the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site, this hike will take approximately 7-8 hours to complete. This tour departs early to give you the National Park mostly to yourself as you cross a spectacular landscape of lava flows, steaming vents and crater lakes. Shaped by volcanic and glacial activity over the last 275,000 years, the crossing offers a unique experience, found nowhere else in New Zealand. This is a fully guided small group trip, no previous experience is necessary but a good level of fitness is required in order to fully enjoy this day. 

More than 30 million years ago, the legend of Waitomo Caves began with the creation of limestone at the bottom of the ocean. Now these limestone formations stand as one of New Zealand's most inspiring natural wonders and a must-see destination. This is the original Waitomo subterranean adventure that will have you climbing, black water tubing, leaping, through Ruakuri Cave. Over three hours you'll take leaps of faith over cascading waterfalls and float serenely down an underground river as you enjoy the glow worm show on the vaulted limestone galleries up above. Your journey concludes when you emerge into the sunlight of the Waitomo forest.

Approximate Distance:  145 kms | 90 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours

Accommodation: Waitomo - 1 Night

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

There maybe time for some last minute sightseeing or shopping before making your way for your outbound flight. We know you will love the Self Drive New Zealand North Island Adventurer and our promise was to make your travels in New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a library full of photos, and huge smiles when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Approximate Distance: 190 kms | 118 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours